Artists to inhabit old Newington Library

10 August 2017

Southwark Council has agreed a two year lease for the old Newington Library in Elephant and Castle, enabling The Art Academy to put this exceptional building to good use, while its long term future is decided upon. 

The grade 2 listed Victorian library has been empty due to water damage, following a fire in the adjacent Walworth Town Hall in 2013. 

The Art Academy is an independent art school based in Southwark, it will use the building to provide facilities for its students and offer a public programme of short courses and events. In addition the Academy will host CoolTan Arts, a charity that provides creative activities for people with mental health conditions.

Art Angel, a charity that commissions art which challenges, surprises and inspires, will take up the first residence in a new Gallery Space - the old main library. The Art Academy will be inviting other artists and local community groups to exhibit in this free public exhibition space too.

Cllr Johnson Situ, Southwark Council Cabinet Member for Business, Culture and Social Regeneration, said: “I am delighted that The Art Academy will be setting up in the old Newington Library. They will create an exciting cultural hub for young people and other members of the community, with a great programme of evening classes and new Young Artist weekend courses.”

Charles Savage, principal at the Art Academy, said: “We are incredibly excited about moving part of The Art Academy to the old Newington Library. It’s a great opportunity for our current students to be housed in the wonderful building, but we are also looking forward to running new courses that will be accessible to the local community. We believe we’ll become a much enjoyed member of the Walworth Road community.”

Page last updated: 10 August 2017