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Somerset House Studios

About Somerset House Studios

Somerset House Studios is an experimental workspace in the centre of London connecting artists, makers and thinkers with audiences. Located inside the repurposed former Inland Revenue building, the Studios offer space and support to artists pushing bold ideas, engaging with urgent issues and pioneering new technologies. It is also a platform for the development of new creative projects and collaborations. Up to 70 artists are resident at any one time and are supported to develop their practice for a defined period. 

The main objective of Somerset House Studios is to support practicing artists, makers and thinkers to work. Artists pay rent, but rent is controlled by Somerset House to ensure it remains as low as possible. We use the term ‘resident’ rather than lease as we offer more than just space. We offer opportunities to develop or received feedback on work, develop engagement skills for working with young people and a burgeoning programme of professional development opportunities. Artists must propose a focus for the term they wish to be resident at the Studios as part of their application. 

Space at Somerset House Studios is controlled by Somerset House Trust to keep the price below market rate. We do this on the understanding that all resident artists will contribute to the Somerset House Trust charitable aims through the community programme, public programme or learning programme and be open to connecting to the community of artists in this environment. There is a wide variety of ways in which artists can contribute, and we aim to work with the artist’s area of interest in identifying together what might be most suitable. Some examples might be sharing skills or organising events for the artist community, hosting talks or salons in the public programme or working with our Learning team on projects for young people. Each contribution is unique to the artist, and we ask you to outline potential areas of interest within your application form.