Scores of creative artists, sculptors and designers gathered for the launch of Ealing’s Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ).
The borough is part of the Mayor of London’s Creative Enterprise Zones programme and, in partnership with Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), has the potential to create thousands of jobs in related industries, along with affordable studio space.
The aim of the Acton and Park Royal CEZ is to unlock new opportunities for homegrown creative industries, artists and businesses by driving investment towards the borough’s talent, as well as providing much-needed funding to get projects off the ground.
Council leader Peter Mason attended the launch event on Friday (23 September) along with other council dignitaries and VIPs from partner organisations including Justine Simons OBE, who is deputy mayor for culture and creative industries, and David Lunts, chief executive of Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation.
Councillor Mason said: “One of our key pledges is to help deliver new jobs and spaces for local businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive and I’m delighted that Acton has been chosen as one of two new creative enterprise zones in London.
“This will create the perfect environment for artists and creatives to put down roots, grow and nurture the skills of local people for generations to come.”
The CEZ is already home to several artists and studio spaces and the hope is that it will nurture new talent and bring further investment to existing businesses in the area.
Since the programme was started by the Mayor of London in 2018, around £14million has been invested in areas across the capital to support artists and creative businesses find permanent affordable space to work, provide support to new creative businesses and improve access to creative sector skills and employment.
Mr Lunts said: “Acton and Park Royal are home to some of the capital’s most interesting and creative artists, makers and producers.
“As the mayor’s development corporation for regenerating the area, we’re working to invest in and support local people and businesses. The Creative Enterprise Zone will help nurture talent and drive investment as this area grows.”
The launch, which was held in Excelsior Studios in Standard Road, Park Royal, saw some of London’s most talented artists exhibit and hold live workshops, including Absolute Beginners where young people demonstrated making paper from shredded waste, and By.Wuzzy a slow fashion sustainable denim brand, displaying reworked and upcycled garments and accessories.
