Studio Voltaire facts for kids
Studio Voltaire is a special place in South London, in an area called Clapham. It's not just a regular art gallery; it's also a home for artists to work. Think of it as a creative hub! This non-profit organisation shows amazing modern art. They put on exhibitions, performances, and live events. Studio Voltaire helps artists by giving them their first chance to show their work in London.
The gallery itself is inside an old Victorian Methodist Chapel. This means the art often uses the building's unique shape and history. Studio Voltaire also offers affordable workspaces for over 40 artists. They even host artists from other countries for special projects. Since 2011, their Not Our Class programme has offered fun activities and research projects for local people. In 2011, Studio Voltaire received important funding from Arts Council England. Joe Scotland is the Director of Studio Voltaire.
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Discover Studio Voltaire: A Creative Hub in London
What Makes Studio Voltaire Special?
Studio Voltaire is all about contemporary art. This means they show art made in our time, often by artists who are just starting out. They help these artists create new work. Many times, artists get their very first solo exhibition in London right here.
The gallery is in a beautiful old building that used to be a church. This old building gives artists cool ideas for their art. They often create art that fits perfectly into the space.
A Home for Artists
Besides showing art, Studio Voltaire provides studios for over 40 artists. These are affordable places where artists can work and create. They also have special programmes where artists from around the world can come and work there for a while.
Community and Learning
Since 2011, Studio Voltaire has run a programme called Not Our Class. This programme offers projects and activities for people living nearby. It's a way for the community to get involved with art and learn new things.
Key Moments in Studio Voltaire's History
Early Years
- 1994: Studio Voltaire started in Clapham by a small group of artists. It was on Voltaire Road.
- 1999: The organisation moved to its current home. This is the old Methodist Chapel on Nelson’s Row in Clapham.
Growing and Creating
- 2005: Studio Voltaire made its first collection of art prints. Famous artists like Jeremy Deller and Mark Titchner contributed. They became known for selling affordable art prints.
- 2005: Artist Spartacus Chetwynd created The Walk to Dover. This was her first project outside the gallery. It involved a week-long trip from London to Dover.
- 2006: Studio Voltaire began a special programme for artists to live and work there. They worked with the Berlin Cultural Senate and Whitechapel Gallery.
- 2006: Elizabeth Price showed her first video art piece. It was called A Public Lecture & Exhumation.
- 2007: Artist Thea Djordjadze from Georgia had her first UK exhibition here. This was after she spent time as an artist-in-residence.
Important Exhibitions
- 2009: Nairy Baghramian had her first UK exhibition at Studio Voltaire. It was called Butcher, Barber, Angler & Others.
- 2009: Cathy Wilkes showed her art installation Mummy’s here. This was after she was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2008.
- 2010: Phyllida Barlow’s art show Bluff became very famous. It helped her get more recognition.
- 2010: Studio Voltaire started House of Voltaire. This was a temporary shop that sold art and special items.
Recent Developments
- 2011: The Not Our Class programme began. It explored the work of photographer Jo Spence.
- 2012: Studio Voltaire held a big exhibition of Jo Spence’s photographs. This marked 20 years since she passed away.
- 2021: Studio Voltaire reopened after a big renovation. They spent £2.8 million to make it even better! The number of artist studios grew from 30 to 75. The studios also got better heating. The House of Voltaire shop also got a permanent home in the building.
