About

What we do

Lewisham Arthouse provides subsidised workspace, event and exhibition facilities to the general public. We offer practical support for a range of different cultural and community activities. Our offering ranges from art exhibitions, classes and workshops to experimental music performances. Lewisham Arthouse also maintains open access to specialist facilities. These include an analogue photography darkroom and a pottery kiln. By participating within the co-operative, LAH members contribute to long-standing outreach and educational opportunities that are embedded across the borough. These include projects made in partnership with LBL Lewisham, local Friends’groups, schools, colleges and charities. Project partners include Arts Council England, Brockley Assembly, Clarion Futures and Friends of Luxmore Gardens.

How are we funded?

Lewisham Arthouse receives in-kind support from London Borough of Lewisham, other resources are generated from our membership through studio fees.

Co-operative members

Alongside a conventional fee paying system, members volunteer at least 5 hours per month. This involves working together with other members, coordinated through the Work Hours scheme. This generates around £30,000 of in-kind support each year, ensuring our public programmes and specialist facilities remain open to all.

Co-operative subgroups

The Arthouse is organised as a committee organisational structure. Each member works within a subgroup towards the organisation’s on-going development. The subgroups are; Allocations, Building Maintenance, Education and Grants, Finance and Administration and Gallery and Project Space hire.

Co-operative officers

Officers are elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). These voluntary roles are undertaken for one year at a time. Any member of Lewisham Arthouse member can volunteer for election as an Officer. Generally, the Chair is responsible for organising meetings; the Secretary is responsible for organising compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority; the Treasurer is responsible for organising financial information.

Co-operative management committee

Lewisham Arthouse committee comprises of officers and subgroup co-ordinators. The committee decides how funds will be raised and spent and ensures that the co-operative’s income and expenditure is properly managed.

Co-operative decision-making

General meetings are held every three months and are open to all members. Any changes to the rules or constitution of Lewisham Arthouse is proposed, discussed and collectively agreed by its members. All decisions are made collectively on the basis of members’ votes. For transparency, all meetings are minuted and distributed to the membership.