Bagt History

Artists formed Barbican Arts Group Trust (BAGT) in 1972, creating studio and exhibiting space in the Barbican area. It received charitable status in 1984 in recognition of its community and educational work undertaken through exhibitions, public art projects, open-studios, and projects in schools. BAGT moved east in 1989, with assistance from Greater London Arts and established Hertford Road Studios.

At present the Studio group consists of fifty-eight professional British and International artists, many of them widely exhibited in the UK and abroad. All artists participate in annual Open Studios, which provide an opportunity for the local community - as well as the interested layperson and the passionate collector – to meet the artists and see their work.

BAGT’s Artworks Project coordinates all of BAGT’s outreach activities, offering schools, local councils and community groups comprehensive project management. Ranging from artist residencies and workshops to community murals and mosaics. These projects have been documented and digitally stored, and are available for consultation.

In 2005 The London Municipal Archives acquired BAGT’s Archive documenting it’s pioneering activities over 35 years.

BAGT currently has two studio buildings, Blackhorse Lane E17 and Hertford Road N1. The Blackhorse Lane site has a Project Space that is available to artists, curators and creative groups.

Site Updated- 18/6/09

Website design-Neil Irons