Pop Up Audit

In early 2026 we did an internal audit to find out how fabulous our collective is and celebrate it. We are a small studio with a big impact!

Overview of Pop Up Studio:

Pop Up Studios offers affordable arts spaces and currently have 36 core members involved in a huge diversity of creative and holistic industries. We are visual artists, musicians, writers, film makers, carpenters, jewellery makers, aromatherapists, puppeteers, educators, university lecturers, compost makers, coaches, creative facilitators, permaculturists and gardeners. Several of our members regularly receive funding from the Arts Council and local authorities and are leaders in their fields. Others are more vulnerable members of our community who benefit from the support that we offer and sense of community connection.

Pop Up studios has provided a foundation for us all to grow and develop as creatives and we have been able to thrive as a supportive creative community. The building and the garden by the river offer both distinct workspaces for individuals and also shared communal areas such as the outdoor carpentry space, a wellness clinic, shared kitchen area, open plan art studios, balcony and music rehearsal studio. The building is unique in its architectural design and the garden is now also home to a diversity of wildlife including resident bats.

Members were asked if they have any work links to communities, organisations, charities, teaching, social projects? This is what they said collectively...

Arts Council England
BIPOC communities in Sussex
Brighton and Hove City Council
Brighton Buddhist Centre
Brighton Permaculture Trust
Brighton and Sussex
Buddhafields
Changing Chalk / National Trust
Chestnut Tree House Hospice
Clayhill Community
Eco Dharma
Enthum House
Evolution Brighton
Fundraising events at Raystede Animal Sanctuary and Sussex Wildlife Trust
Hamilton Lodge School for the Deaf
Head Gardener on two large permaculture projects
Lewes Climate Hub
Lewes Soup Festival (for Diversity Lewes)
London Buddhist Centre
LWA – Landworkers Alliance
Mermaids trans group
Movingsounds
Music for Dementia: In care homes + community music projects with schools + community groups
National Lottery funding
New Writing South
ONCA
Pippa's Group Nursery
Plumpton College
Railway Land Trust in Lewes
ReBoot The Roots
South Downs National Park
South East Community Rail Partnership – developing projects with community groups on the route between Richmond and Hounslow
The Claire Trans Project
The Depot Cinema
The Mill Group – Yorkshire
University of Chichester
Writing Our Legacy
Green Kordofan[Sudan]
Impact initiatives
Enjoolata Foundation
Council of Europe
Wakehurst place
Kew Gardens
Lewes town Council

"Yes I provide coaching and support to a craft group for elderly, physically disabled and persons with learning difficulties."

"I work with many communities in hospitals, schools, care homes."

"I work with diverse groups of people…"

One of the start ups, Old Tree Brewery just got shortlisted for the Radio 4 British Food Awards and got 2nd prize for Best Drinks Maker 2023.

WHAT DOES POP UP GIVE TO ITS MEMBERS?
This is what they said...

"My space at Pop Up is a
valuable resource to me.
At times a place of quiet contemplation and at others
a beachhead and rallying
point for forays
into the world. "

"I am a part of Pop Up and Pop Up is a part of me. I am so grateful for everything it has given me over the years. Pop Up represents an alternative way of working that is sustainable and healthy."

"It means I am part of a

community can co-create

beneficial projects like clothes swaps, compost projects,

wildlife garden, bat boxes,

family green space, eco education for youth, music projects for dementia, art for people

with disabilities, innovating business models, community film shows, tree planting, fruit growing, community pizza oven, eco-charcoal making, support for migrants, support and employment for the deaf community, live music concerts, artisan markets, healing therapies and counselling and a warm place to be."

"It means I can make my art,
which helps me to process the overwhelm I get from my job (supporting neurodivergent adolescents through further
education), and from
caring for my neurodivergent
young adult at home. It is
amazing to see the
effect of the studio on the wider community. The social impact of so many accessible events,
workshops, treatments,
and art is so vital and far reaching."

Share the amazing things customers are saying about your business. Double click, or click Edit Text to make it yours.

"Pop up gives me a sense of belonging. It lifts my mood to know that I have somewhere to go and work, where I also feel valued and accepted as myself. I enjoy being able to contribute to the overall goodwill of the community without everyone having to be the same and think the same way. As I have very little outdoor space at home, I especially appreciate the garden and riverside."

"Pop Up studios is an

absolute treasure and creates the conditions for all of its members to thrive."

" I love having a peaceful
place to come and work. Accepting. I love the way
that we are reaching out to
lots of local groups who
are able to use the space
for their projects. It also
enables many others to have an affordable workspace and supportive community."

"Having this studio means I can afford a space to make my work in. As an autistic person I need a space to be quiet and create in, which is not possible in my home."

"The community element

of Pop Up Studios is really important as I often Iearn

& collaborate with other businesses & crafts on-site. There is a lot

of wisdom sharing amongst

the artists and makers

here. Having access to the community garden is also

really important & meaningful for me, to have a space to connect

with nature on my breaks & also have business meetings

in these communal areas."