Iniva (Institute of International Visual Arts)
This institute is dedicated to broadening cultural histories, in order to preserve the legacies of British artists of predominantly Black or Asian descent and help marginalised artistic communities gain the recognition they deserve. It was instrumental in the early careers of famous contemporary artists such as Yinka Shonibare MBE, Steve McQueen, Idris Khan and Sonia Boyce. It also contains the Stuart Hall library, named after the pioneering academic who founded the organisation in 1994. As well as offering resources for researchers, artists and cultural producers, Inviva also presents temporary exhibitions in its ground floor space and artist residencies, imbedded in research conducted in the library.
Iniva, 1 Rivington Pl, London EC2A 3BA +44 20 7729 9616
Ting-Ting Cheng, On the Desert Island, Artist residency at the Stuart Hall Library, Iniva | Courtesy Iniva
Cock ’n’ Bull Gallery
Although Mark Hix’s restaurant Tramshed has its own fair share of art – it’s known for an enormous Damien Hirst sculpture featuring a cow and chicken in formaldehyde, which dangles above the dinner tables – he also has a dedicated gallery hidden in the basement of his eatery. The Cock ’n’ Bull gallery generally reflects the tastes of its owner, showing a range of temporary exhibitions by emerging and established talent.
Cock ‘n’ Bull Gallery, 32 Rivington St, London EC2A 3LX, +44 20 7033 0650
Kate McGarry
As one of the pioneering galleries to set up shop in Shoreditch at the dawn of the new millennium, Kate MacGarry has been at the forefront of new talent since its original inception on Redchurch Street before moving to the current location just down the road. The gallery represents a number of artists who work in a variety of media, including acclaimed video artist Ben Rivers and the performance-fine art duo Chicks on Speed.
Kate McGarry, 27 Old Nichol St, London E2 7HR, +44 20 7613 0515
Samson Kambalu, Capsules, Mountains and Forts | Kate MacGarry, 2016
Rich Mix
More than just a cinema, Rich Mix is also dedicated to showing the broad range of arts and culture that the area has to offer. It shows wall-based works as well as organising screenings of art films and shorts, as well as workshops and performances. Most of these activities take place in the Mezzanine Gallery, although they can also spill over into the main spaces, making sure film fans also receive an added dose of visual culture.
Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6LA, +44 20 7613 7498
Calvert 22
This not-for-profit foundation is dedicated to bringing art from the New East (eastern Europe, the Balkans, Central Asia and Russia) to the attention of a UK audience. The headquarters just off of Arnold Circus presents talks, events and exhibitions that engage with historical movements, architecture, design, film and photography.
Calvert 22, 22 Calvert Ave, London E2, +44 20 7613 2141
Installation shot of ‘The Future is Certain’ | Image courtesy of Calvert 22 Foundation. Photo © Nat Urazmetova
Hoxton Arches
This enormous 2,500 space has been converted from the old railway arches that flank the nearby Hoxton station. It is a for-hire space that is popular with art college degree shows, print sales and performers.
Hoxton Arches, 402 Cremer St, London E2 8HD, +44 20 3051 5087
Studio 1.1
Redchurch Street was still unchartered territory when this artist-run, not-for-profit space was set up in 2003. Its unassuming, graffitied doorway is suitable camouflage for a gallery who places emphasis on pure artistic integrity. The studio has an extremely international outlook with sister galleries in the Netherlands, Brazil and Croatia.
Studio 1.1, 57A Redchurch St, London E2 7DG, +44 7952 986696
Installation view of Studio 1.1 Gallery | Courtesy Studio 1.1
Hundred Years Gallery
With a focus on showcasing unrepresented, young artists, Hundred Years Gallery highlights the experimental, and often publishes open calls for group exhibitions. As well as visual arts, the gallery has a sizeable music programme, hosting concerts on a weekly basis.
Hundred Years Gallery, 13 Pearson St, London E2 8JD, +44 20 3602 7973
Espacio Gallery
This co-operative gallery is run by artist members dedicated to supporting the local artistic community, in a large space just moments from the top of Brick Lane. The rapidly-changing programme focuses on collaborative exhibitions.
Espacio Gallery, 159 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 7DG, +44 7815 319073