About HSoA

Unleashing the artist in everyone

As Thomas Hirschhorn tells us;
“Art is - in all circumstances inclusive. Art has nothing to do with exclusivity. The Art-Public is a non-exclusive- public. This is the opposite of a pre-determined selected, and initiated public”.

Located in a new purpose-built building in Hampstead’s Kidderpore Green development, close to Hampstead Heath, HSoA is steeped in the vibrant cultural and artistic tradition of the area, following in the footsteps of John Constable, Lucian Freud and many others who have lived and worked in Hampstead.

As a Charity, no 1072327, we strive to provide art learning to those who could not otherwise access it and support them to achieve their potential by gaining essential skills, or for career development or change, often both.

Learn, Transform, Grow & Create

Purpose built for studio-based learning, designed by architects Allies and Morrison and built by Barratt London, HSoA is the creative heart of Hampstead’s Kidderpore Green development.

Operating over four floors, the new building comprises open plan fine art studios, a sculpture and ceramics studio, life drawing room, printmaking, silk painting and jewellery making facilities, dedicated studio spaces for Foundation and Advanced Course students, library and resources area, plus the beautiful HSoA Gallery, the Glass Gallery, HSoA Cafe and an outdoor piazza.

Where it all began

Hampstead Artists’ Council (HAC) was founded by Jeanette Jackson and Bernard Gay with the patronage of Henry Moore, Lord Cottesloe, Oswald Milne and Sir Kenneth Clark. Their vision was the establishment of a centre where the appreciation and enjoyment of art could be shared by people, whatever their age, background and ability – a vision that inspires the HSoA community to this day.

We will strive to continue serving the local community and are proud to be the oldest, non-profit, contemporary art-making and learning centre in North London.

The HSoA Team

The HSoA team is driven by a shared vision to create an inclusive, supportive and inspirational environment where each and every student is free to explore, develop and realise their individual artistic voice.

Meet the team