The Art Laboratory is a free weekly community art programme in Islington that has been bringing people together through creativity for the past three years.

Based at Whittington Park Community Centre in Islington, North London, we meet every Friday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm, offering inclusive art workshops for adults from all backgrounds. Many of our participants are older residents, people experiencing isolation, individuals living with disabilities or long-term health conditions, and those who simply need a safe, friendly place to be creative and connect with others.

What began as a small community art group has grown into a vibrant weekly programme that has supported dozens of local residents. Every session provides professional art materials, refreshments, creative guidance, and—most importantly—a sense of belonging.

The Art Laboratory is delivered by Mei Mei Social CIC, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company dedicated to making creativity accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Over the last three years we have worked incredibly hard to keep the project going through grants, partnerships and lots of determination. While we’ve been fortunate to receive funding at different stages, community projects like ours often face gaps between fundraising successes. During those periods, essential costs still need to be covered so that participants don’t lose a service they rely on.

Your donation will help us:

Keep paying for our weekly venue hire at Whittington Park Community Centre.

Cover essential running costs between grants and funding decisions.

Help participants who struggle with transport costs to attend sessions.

Continue providing free art materials and refreshments.

Ensure the project remains free and accessible to everyone.

Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us continue opening our doors every Friday.

Art has the power to reduce loneliness, improve mental wellbeing, build confidence, and create lasting friendships. Week after week we see people arrive feeling isolated and leave smiling, connected, and proud of what they’ve created.

If you believe everyone deserves access to creativity and community, we’d be incredibly grateful for your support.

Together, we can keep The Art Laboratory thriving for many more years.

Thank you for helping us continue creating a more connected, creative and compassionate community.

Mei Mei Social CIC