Who we are
We are Arts for All...a community creative centre based in Shoreditch in the East End of London. We run creative clubs for local people and aim to build confidence through creative achievement. Our exciting clubs for adults and children incorporate many different art forms and materials. At Arts For All we believe that if you introduce an element of creativity into a person’s life, then it will positively affect every area of their lives. In reference to “Every Child Matters” we are concerned with every aspect of the welfare of the people who attend Arts For All. Ideally, everyone should have these opportunities and at Arts For All we provide creatively based, good quality projects for the whole community.
Our members
In Shoreditch we are working with adults and children who often face disadvantage in many ways. Through long term unemployment, poverty, overcrowding, broken families, crime and communities populated with drug dealers, many people feel lacking in confidence and have low aspirations. Arts for All is a safe, welcoming, exciting place where they can come and learn new skills, make friends and have fun; and through creative achievement, grow in confidence and self-belief. We hope that, through support, encouragement and the gaining of new skills and experiences, we will see adults moving into employment and children and young people seeing a brighter future for themselves.
Meet the CEO
For many years I had been living in the Bethnal Green area and had worked as a volunteer youth worker and a creative designer -maker. I had always felt drawn to starting something that would bring colour, care and creativity into the lives of local people of all ages and in 2001, with a friend, I started at Arts For All. The area in which we work is so diverse - with poverty and wealth sitting side by side. But I have always believed that everyone needs an element of creativity in their lives - that it can be literally life changing. If you add to that a warm welcome and true, uncomplicated care and support you have a place that can change the course of a life.
In January 2002 we found ourselves setting up in The Tab Centre - our home now for many years! Over this time we have touched the lives of countless children, young people and adults. We have supported people through the highs and lows of life, done numerous exciting sellout exhibitions in The City, built confidence through creativity, care and encouragement and seen both children and adults grow in confidence and aspiration and go on to positive changes in their lives.
Throughout the years we have had ups and downs and we have changed and rearranged some of the clubs that we run - (often based on how much money we have) - but throughout it all the simple vision and heart of Arts For All remains the same. Our clubs are inclusive - no matter who you are or what your background or situation. The people we work with; whether children or adults, all matter; and we will do whatever we can to support, encourage and care for each person. Today - as I observe the clubs I am excited and thrilled to see the joy that each child and each adult gets from picking up a paint brush or doing a sculpture; trying their hand at a bit of jewelry making or learning to play pool!! My main aim for the charity is that it would thrive and grow and continue the work of so many years - supporting, helping and caring for our neighbours here in Shoreditch.
Caroline Barlow
CEO - Arts for All
Meet the team
ella mason
ceo assistant &
art programme manager
Ella started out as a volunteer here in her first year of university, studying Fine Art. After her first year, she began working with us part-time, two days a week as a Creative Assistant, helping to run the art clubs, taking over our social media, re-vamping the website and also doing our monthly newsletters. Since then she has finished her Fine Art degree, and after three years at Arts for All, she has begun a full time position as CEO Assistant & Art Programme Manager.
She is also a practicing artist, you can see her personal work at ellamasonart.com
charli hudson
volunteer
Charli’s journey with Arts for All began when she attended as a child, and her love for the community and creativity has only grown since then. She has been a dedicated full-time volunteer for the past 7 years, making an incredible impact on both the adults and children who participate in our programs.
Charli is incredibly creative and an absolute diamond when it comes to helping our participants progress in their own art practices. Her enthusiasm and dedication are truly inspiring, and everyone here absolutely loves having her around. She’s a real integral part of the team, and we deeply appreciate all she does for our clubs!
PATRONS
carole tongue
will best
