Art in the Docks
Firstly, we talked about what makes a meaningful social value enterprise.Christopher, an artist, was a studio tenant which meant he was using a commercial space as an art studio in common with other artists.A meaningful social value enterprise arguably provides value to a community – giving something in return.In this context it suggests a benefit to the community in return for lower commercial rents or rates.
The Covid epidemic with its restrictions and lockdowns was impactful in so many ways, but it provided the opportunity for Christopher to reach out to other artists via a Zoom call to connect potentially isolated creatives.The seed was sown to build a community through collaboration.It really grew.
At the same time, Notting Hill Genesis, owners of the commercial development, had empty units, one of which was taken on by this newly formed art community.The collective was not formally constituted, but they were together in a shared physical space.
How it started
The magic started when passersby, seeing the group through the windows, knocked on the door to ask if there were any activities for children.This was the start of community engagement.Christopher and I discussed art accessibility, and he explained how it became apparent after a group exhibition did not hit the spot, that there was potential to enrich the lives of others with art in other ways.
A creative workshop was set up to encourage members of the community to come and connect.It was successful and included exhibiting the work of the attendees.
There are 5 primary schools with some 3,000 pupils in the local vicinity.Christopher told me that he believes children can be very receptive to creative thinking at around the ages of 7 and 8.When talking with the Mayor, Christopher was advised that 1 in 4 new jobs are in the “creative economy”.However, he told me there are challenges to overcome given that roles in the creative industries may require degree-level qualifications.This brings up the issue of accessibility to tertiary education opportunities.
From AITD website (James Asser MP).
Christopher firmly believes that there is a “pilot light inside all of us”, just waiting for an opportunity to ignite.The current Saturday family sessions are for all ages, free for 30 to 50 families per session.This art project is a community hub.The range of activities has extended to dance and theatre as Art in the Docks responds to the community it serves.
Community gardening has been a big hit, starting with a project about the lifecycle of bees.It began with sunflower seeds in hand-decorated pots and developed, producing connection, interest and photos posted to show the wonderful results.This led to the heirloom tomato project.At the time of the interview, 140 “Cherokee purple” plants were cropping.These activities can “ignite the flame”, acting as the catalyst for social and creative engagement.
From AITD website.
Community synergy
Diversity and inclusivity are guided by the feedback from the community, and you get a real sense of the organic development of this community facility and its impressive range of activities.There have been identity projects such as the hair braiding themed photographic exhibition.Hair braiding can be a deeply cultural expression of identity.
There are also mindful and targeted creative opportunities for socially isolated members of the community.Some residents in this part of East London have no local connections.Art in the Docks is a neighbourhood space to take part in an activity with others.We talked about projects for those living with trauma, using a famous artwork (Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflowers) as a starting point for an art journey, and investigating and responding to stored artefacts in the Victoria and Albert East Storehouse.The possibilities offer so many starting points.
As a result of working with UCL (University College London), the Art in the Docks art group made a mosaic on display at the Victoria and Albert East Storehouse (April to September 2026 at time of writing).
From AITD website.
Art in the Docks responds to community.They don’t provide “art therapy” since that is something accessed in clinical environments.The project is now a registered charity, working on a pilot project for carers “A time to make” in addition to the many other workshops they can offer.Combined with the work with local schools and offering CSR (corporate social responsibility) opportunities for businesses, Art in the Docks is the neighbourhood art hub accessible to all faith and cultures.
From AITD website.
Could this be a template for other locations?The Art in the Docks team are coordinating a “Carnival of Curiosities” community parade which includes corporate input in the form of making bones for the marionettes.Art in the Docks presents an innovative approach to creative place-based stewardship which clearly reaches into the community and responds to that community’s needs.I found it inspirational.
If you would like to know more about the work of Art in the Docks, please click on this link.
Finally, Christopher told me that the installation of the air conditioning system by BSW Heating Ltd had massively extended accessibility to their facility.It has been very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer.Having heating in particular was going to make all the difference.“The contribution you have made is very significant.”
Air conditioning (heating and cooling) units suspended from the ceiling.
What BSW did.
Earlier in 2026 Adam Westbrook, Commercial Contract Manager, surveyed the commercial unit for a heating, cooling and general building assessment.This led to the installation of 2 Daikin mini VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume, a technology trademarked by Daikin) systems with 7 cassette units attached.When the system was connected it was pressure tested with nitrogen to ensure no leaks.Then the system was vacuum dried and charged with refrigerant.The work was completed on 15 September 2026 coming in at around £70,000, funded by BSW Heating.
Air conditioning controls.
BSW Heating Ltd is proud to have worked with our client Notting Hill Genesis to support this outstanding community project, and we wish the Art in the Docks team every success for the future.
Condenser for the air conditioning.
'"Art in the Docks is a fantastic example of a community-led project that is making a real difference to local people. We'd like to thank BSW Heating for recognising its value and funding this significant improvement, which will help more residents access and enjoy the space all year round.”
George Clarke, Head of Communities and Commercial Properties, Notting Hill Genesis.
"At Notting Hill Genesis, we're committed to creating community facilities that are both accessible and fit for the future. BSW Heating's support for Art in the Docks, including the installation of an efficient air-to-air heating and cooling system and hot water provision, will significantly improve comfort within the space and enable year-round use. Their contribution demonstrates how investment in building services can deliver meaningful social value for local communities."
Dan Perager, Head of Heat Energy and Water, Notting Hill Genesis.
If you would like to find out more about Art in the Docks, please click the link.
Author D Tidy, Customer Experience and Communication Manager.
