Bringing engagement with the arts to communities across the UK
WHAT WE DO
We collaborate with property owners to bring long-term vacant retail spaces back into use. By making these properties temporarily available, rent and cost-free, to artists, art collectives, and art organisations, we help revitalise local high streets and shopping centres while supporting the creative arts.
Our initiative provides artists with opportunities to showcase their work, engage with new audiences, and grow their practice across visual, musical, and theatrical disciplines.
Artists learn more here.
100+ artists and 8 art collectives supported with free space to date.
WHO WE ARE
The Artist’s Window was founded on a deep connection with the arts and a vision to create meaningful opportunities for both artists and landlords.
OUR TEAM
​​With a background in commercial surveying, Louise helps transform empty property into vibrant showcases for UK artists. She works with landlords and creatives to turn vacant units into inspiring exhibition, gallery and workshop spaces — free for artists and engaging for local communities.
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+44 (0)20 3603 6664​
Louise Soden
Operation lead
Sophie plays a key role in supporting artists and landlords to bring unoccupied commercial property to life. With logistics experience and a passion for community and culture, she helps creatives find free space to promote their work, making the arts more visible and accessible to local audiences.
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+44 (0)20 3603 6664​
Sophie Robinson
Operations liaison
OUR TRUSTEES
We are supported by a dedicated group of independent trustees with experience in both the art world and property sector.
Geraldine Besgrove
Geraldine studied Fine Art in London and Barcelona before going on to work in the media and print industry for many years. She currently runs art classes and holiday workshops for both adults and children as well as continuing with her own creative practice and working on bespoke commissions.
A lover of all things colourful and unusual, her work is informed by a diverse range of inspirations. She draws upon a wide range of influences as she creates each unique piece – embracing the inherent unpredictability of her practice.
John Cressey
John is a wildlife artist working from his home studio in Devon.
At 19 he sustained a life-altering injury and now uses a wheelchair. Despite the injury affecting the dexterity of his hands, he has learned to adapt to his physical limitations in order to continue his passion for art.
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Having experimented with many different mediums, techniques and subjects, John has discovered his greatest enjoyment in wildlife realism painting. He uses water-based oil paints on linen canvas in order to achieve his desired level of detail and vibrancy.
Linda Watts
Linda has spent a lifetime in Showbusiness and The Performing Arts and is a member of The Grand Order of Lady Ratlings. Linda studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and made her name in the field of popular classics, starring in BBC’s Friday Night Is Music Night, and in Gala Shows and Concerts with the BBC Concert Orchestra.
Her beautiful voice, encompassing both classical and light music, has taken her worldwide including extensive appearances at many of the Country’s leading music venues and live broadcasts with The Royal Military Bands.
Veronica Wiseman
Now retired, Veronica spent most of her working life in the social care sector. As well as being a PTA member and Parent Governor when her children were of school age, she also served for several years as a Trustee for a grant-giving charity.
Veronica loves art, theatre, film, books and music. In quieter moments she writes poetry and knits (but not at the same time!)
HOW WE DO IT
Genuinely free space, no strings, no hidden costs.
We operate with a clear, transparent process using standard terms and conditions to ensure fairness for all parties.
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The Artist’s Window facilitates short-term access to vacant retail spaces, providing artists with a valuable opportunity to display, showcase, and sell their work. Many locations also offer internal shop space for additional creative use.
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OUR PROCESS
Standard, Clear, Transparent.
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We are committed to making every opportunity a success – for artists, landlords, and the community. Our standardised approach reassures all parties and ensures a smooth process from start to finish.
How it works:
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Once registered with us, our landlords list available spaces by confirming vacancies and accepting our Standard Terms for Landlords.
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We advertise new Artist’s Window opportunities on our website and notify registered artists. Sign-up here.
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Artists apply and accept our Standard Terms for Artists.
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We select candidates based on transparent selection criteria — click here.
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Both parties sign a short-term occupational license.
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Access is arranged, ensuring all necessary information is shared.
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Artists occupy the space, following our clear guidelines. We provide social media promotion throughout — click here.
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At the end of the term, artists vacate the space according to our guidelines, with our team available to assist if needed.
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Artists can reapply for future opportunities as often as they like.
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By following this structured process, we make it easy for both artists and property owners to participate with confidence.
