Kindred Studios fundamentally is intentionally an artist community that reconnects the neighbourhood and inspires beyond. They are located in Shepherd’s Bush next to Shepherd’s Bush Market, West London and provide affordable studios to the talented local artists whilst helping the community in so many ways. The artists willingly participate in a culture of generosity and mutual support, resulting in a happier and more resilient creative force with a culture that expands beyond it’s studios to benefit the surrounding neighbourhood. Many lives have been turned around by Kindred Studios. One example is that of the talented photographer and artist Jon Rees who though once homeless is now a successful creative with a family, and a studio in Kindred Studios. Kindred is a heart warming example of how good things happen when the right ethos and energy are in place. This in turn goes on to create a wonderfully positive effect on the local community that inspires others.
Angelique Schmitt, the charismatic founder and director of Kindred Studios comments, “Kindred Studios is not just about the provision of affordable artist studios, we are more of an artist community that begins with studios. We are about culture and reconnection and everything that make us most human, and art is our language.”
Over the past few years, other artist studios have taken an active interest in the Kindred Studios model because they do things differently. Kindred have earned a very good reputation due to their integrity, pool of talent and creativity. Kindred Studios are increasingly clear that though they have artist studios, they are not just artists studios. Their ambition is broader and rooted in the intersection between art and community, which together create strength and resilience. Their positive inspiring effect have had Cockpit Arts visit and more recently The Trampery. Cockpit Arts are an award-winning social enterprise that
bridges the gap between talent and opportunity by providing affordable studio space and in-house business support to talented creatives in Bloomsbury. The Trampery is a facility for Tottenham’s entrepreneurs and creative businesses. Creative and entrepreneurial hubs could learn alot from Kindred Studios.
Angelique Schmitt eloquently concludes , ” We are all very different, but love that we can share the way we do things and learn from each other.”
Earlier this year HRH Queen Camilla visited Kindred Studios. She is a great supporter of the arts and loved the Kindred artist community so much that she said that she would love to return as an artist in her next life!
Visiting neighbours were also very impressed by the Kindred Studios creativity and community spirit.
Quotes from neighbours during the most recent Kindred Open studios were heartwarming.
“It’s the first time that I have felt happy in a long time.”
“A tranquil hidden haven on our doorstep. I live around the corner and never knew this was even here!”
“It doesn’t feel like gentrification because it just adds just SO MUCH community to our area!…”
“We live around the corner and we need more spaces like these where you can experience things and connect”
“Didn’t even know this existed in this day and age!”
“Having a Kindred in my neighbourhood would make it more connected and close-knit”
“I was surprised to find such an interesting and amazing place around the corner. It feels like Alice in Wonderland with interesting things round every corner!”
Kindred Studios has Open Studios twice a year. Their events are full of varied cultural and creative experiences. What a joy they are to attend and judging by all the faces of the guests I expect they felt the same. Thank you Kindred Studios . Long may you continue.
Come and see the magic that is Kindred Studios OPEN DAY & CAMPFIRE 12.00 noon to 9.00 pm FREE ENTRY Saturday 9th November Kindred Studios,15 Market Lane London W12 8E for further information www.kindredstudios.co.uk/events
by Kim Grahame
main photo: HRH Queen Camilla with Kindred artists and founder Angelique Schmitt
photos of HRH Queen Camilla by Queen’s photographer Lily Bertrand Webb
Kindred Studios is a
Registered Charity.
Kindred Studios (Charity number: 118269
Website: www.kindredstudios.co.uk
Youtube: kindredstudiosartists
Instagram: kindredstudiosartists
Linktree: kindredstudios
Babajide Olatunji / photo Lily Bertrand Webb
