About Nesta

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society.

Who are we investing in?

V22 aims to democratise art ownership and support the development of contemporary art talent, particularly emerging or younger artists.

The arts organisation, founded by artist Tara Cranswick in 2006, curates exhibitions and events to promote artists’ work and provides affordable studios and workspace for artists, creative startups and non-profits. V22 also owns and manages a contemporary art collection valued at just under £2million.

In addition to its artist-focused activity, V22 takes special care to engage local residents in its work and organises educational and community activities at its studio sites, often collaborating with local groups and organisations.

What are we investing in?

Arts Impact Fund recently invested £300,000 in V22 London (the studio provision arm), which will help it to acquire Grade II* listed site The Priory, Orpington, and refurbish it to create a number of studios, community and exhibition spaces.

This will preserve the heritage site for cultural and community use and benefit, while at the same time helping V22 to further diversify its property portfolio and expand its reach. The long leasehold will also allow V22 to offer better and more stable conditions for artists and keep rent levels for its studios affordable without compromising its financial sustainability.

Read the full case study on V22 on the Arts Impact Fund website.

Image credit: V22 Dalston Studio. Photograph: © Noah Da Costa

London

Workspace

£300,000