At ArtUnhoused, we’re using the power of art to make a difference in the lives of homeless individuals in London. Our six-month pilot project will create an open studio space, offering homeless artists the tools, support, and training they need to express themselves, develop new skills, and sell their art to the public.
Homelessness can strip away a sense of identity and control. Through art, we want to give individuals a chance to rebuild confidence, find self-expression, and create new opportunities for themselves.
What We’re Doing:
Thanks to the generosity of Farm Street Church, we’ve been given free studio space for six months to host weekly art sessions. These sessions, led by a professional artist will provide participants with access to art materials, expert guidance, and a chance to produce and showcase their work. Here’s how your donation will make an impact:
- Printing Costs: Funds will cover the costs of a scanner, Adobe Photoshop subscription, eco-conscious printing on FSC-certified recycled paper, and protective packaging for artwork.
- Art Materials: Quality art supplies, including paper, pencils, paint, and brushes, will allow participants to explore different techniques and mediums.
- Vendor Kits: Every artist will receive a branded lanyard, ID badge, and waterproof vest, helping them sell their work with dignity and pride.
- Exhibition Opportunities: Participants will have the chance to exhibit their work at the church, helping them gain recognition and experience.
Why Now?
The cost-of-living crisis and increasing homelessness in London make it more urgent than ever to support creative solutions that uplift vulnerable communities. With our experience working on community projects, overseeing the weekly homeless lunch at Farm Street Church for the past 2 years, and volunteering with vulnerable adults, we’ve seen firsthand the potential of creative programs to create real change.
Our Vision for the Future
ArtUnhoused is being established as a Community Interest Company (CIC) to ensure all funding is reinvested into the project. While this six-month program is just the beginning, we’re working towards a sustainable model that includes support from patrons, partnerships, and future grant funding.
We are raising the funds for the printmaking and essential materials through GoFundMe. Through an application to the Arts Council of England we will raise further funds to pay for additional art materials and training. With your help, we can lay the foundation for a lasting project that provides homeless artists with opportunities, support, and hope.
How You Can Help:
Your contribution will go directly towards making this vision a reality. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference. Here’s how your donation helps:
- £10 covers essential art materials for one participant.
- £50 helps us print and package artwork for sale.
- £250 provides vendor kits for five artists.
As we reached our first milestone of £250, we hosted our taster session, where we brought a group of people together to create original paintings in a supportive, creative space. It was a powerful first step in showing the potential of this project.
Next up: each participant will receive prints of their artwork, which they’ll be able to sell to earn income and begin developing confidence as artists.
Our Thanks to You
We’re incredibly grateful for every contribution that helps bring ArtUnhoused to life. To show our appreciation, we’d love to send you something special from our artists:
- £25: Receive the first prints created by two of our artists, sent by post.
- £50: Receive a signed, limited-edition print from one of our artists.
- £100: Receive a signed, limited-edition print from one of our artists every month for 3 months.
- £250: Receive a signed, limited-edition print from one of our artists every month for 12 months.
About our artists:
Lio is a self-taught painter who teaches painting and drawing classes with a focus on making art accessible to everyone. He is passionate about working with communities, helping individuals unlock their creative potential regardless of their background or experience. For ArtUnhoused, Lio will run the weekly workshops, introducing different techniques and guiding participants to discover and express their artistic talents in a supportive, open environment.
Mathilde holds a BA in Fine Art Moving Image and works as a freelance graphic designer. She also runs a weekly art club for children, blending creativity with community engagement. In ArtUnhoused, Mathilde will play a key role in capturing the project through photography and video, managing promotion and marketing, and assisting with scanning artworks to create prints. Her skills will help bring the participants’ art to a wider audience, showcasing their talent and stories.
Mathilde and Lio previously collaborated on a funded Arts Council project, offering free art workshops for families in Tower Hamlets. The project had a significant impact, fostering creativity and connection within the local community during a time of rising living costs.