First Floor Space

First Floor Space is an artist-led community space based in the Whitgift Centre, part of the Croydon Arts Store. Our creative studio is home to art workshops, events, exhibitions and programmes for artists. We welcome everyone to use the Community Studio Wednesday - Saturday 12-5pm regardless of their artistic ability. Our team of artists and volunteers are on hand to help with each individual's creative journey. Since we opened in 2017 we have partnered with numerous community groups in Croydon and we have had a series of successful artist residencies, each culminating in an exhibition in CAS's Loft. We believe in the holistic power of art and what we offer at First Floor Space expands far beyond making art objects; we are a social space and delight in the new friendships, collaborative creative endeavours, and enriching experiences that develop here. We offer an artist residency aimed at artists who are just starting out or re-establishing their practice. The programme provides practical support and a free, shared studio space to a small group of artists (between 2 and 4) for 3 months at a time. Artists in turn are asked to share their work and skills with visitors, helping to demystify the artistic process. We collaborate with a variety of different community groups to facilitate workshops tailored to each groups’ specific objectives. We provide the space and enable groups to address the specific aims of their individual organisations in a creative manner, all with the logistical and artistic support of our team. We are always keen to engage in more community partnerships.