Emma Thesiger

ACAVA (Association for Cultural Advancement through Visual Arts)

ACAVA is an educational arts charity founded in 1973. Currently, we operate an extensive portfolio of 20 buildings providing studios for over 500 artists in London, Essex and Stoke-on-Trent. Our buildings offer an array of workspaces, workshop facilities, professional development opportunities, commissions, exhibitions, open studios and participatory public art programmes. ACAVA has been a pioneer of artists working in community settings, exploring and shaping participatory arts practice for decades. Today, this work is characterised by collaboration and co-creation with the individuals and groups we work with. We engage with numerous agencies: galleries; arts organisations; schools; HEIs; the NHS; clinical commissioning groups; local authorities; trusts and foundations; and statutory funders such as Arts Council England. ACAVA's head office has been located at purpose-built accessible studios, offices and community art space in North Kensington for twenty years. During this time, we have built enduring meaningful relationships with the diverse communities in the area. Located close to Grenfell Tower, ACAVA works closely with local people, community groups, third sector and voluntary organisations to provide artistic opportunities to memorialise and recover from the Grenfell Tower fire. Our programmes and activities are delivered across different sites and in differing social and economic contexts, from North Kensington to Stoke-on-Trent to Essex.