A list of creative co-working groups and makerspaces across the UK
Collaboration and experimentation is a key part to creative work, so it’s not surprising that co-working, maker- and hackerspaces have risen dramatically in popularity. Such places not only have tools and books you can make use of, but are sites where creatives can benefit from the networking and organic learning that goes on when a group of people get together to work – whether on freelance, full-time or hobbyist projects.
As a creative, you’ve probably worked on projects from similar locations, whether it’s your local library, a coffee shop or even a swanky hotel lobby. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, here are some well-trodden, free and low-cost spots where creatives are known to set up shop across the UK – from hot-desking co-working spaces, to makerspaces and hackerspaces.
1. Creative Network
Based: UK-wide
Good for: Craft-based work
Cost: Free
Run by the Creative Lives charity, Creative Network is a series of location-based IRL meet-ups and online events events bringing people together to learn from, inspire and share with each other, as well as hear from experts in their field. Location-based groups are available in south-east London, the West Midlands, Wales and the south west of England. Other, more specialist groups include meetings for those in theatre, those in crafts and BIPOC+ artists.
2. Open Workshop Network
Based: London and the Home Counties
Good for: Craft-based work
Cost: Yearly memberships from £80
A network of 38 workshops and makerspaces dotted around London and its suburbs, you can find something for everyone within the network. As well as general workshops like South London Makerspace and Westminster’s Makerversity, specialist options are available – from a plethora of ceramic-based spaces to sound-based at Somerset House’s Music Hackspace. There’s even a space in Bow dedicated solely to book arts.
3. UK Hackspace Foundation
Based: UK-wide
Good for: Craft-based work
Cost: Monthly memberships from £15
The UK Hackspace Foundation collates hackspaces and makerspaces across the UK on a handy map on their site. A small group of Open Workshop Network spaces are also part of the Foundation, but unlike the Network, the Hackspace Foundation prioritises more general spaces. Some sites offer 24-hour access and pay-what-you-can memberships.
4. Fab Lab
Based: UK-wide
Good for: Craft-based work
Cost: Yearly memberships from £50
A Fab Lab, or digital fabrication laboratory, is a place to access materials to learn and make a variety of creative products – you can work on anything from 3D printing projects to vinyl cutting and circuit production. Fab Labs have been set up in nearly every continent in the world, with a good number of them dotted across the UK – from Birmingham to Belfast.
5. The Exchange at Somerset House
Based: London
Good for: Computer and writing-based work
Cost: Memberships from £25 monthly, with bursaries available
Located in central London, The Exchange offers a range of flexible memberships from pay as you go to unlimited, as well as bursaries to those who may face barriers in terms of access and opportunity in the creative and cultural sector. They actively build their community with a focus on freelancers, practitioners, and small businesses working in all areas of the arts and creative industries.
6. The Remakery
Based: London
Good for: Craft-based work
Cost: Memberships from £15 monthly
A co-operative sewing space and hot-desking studio in south London, The Remakery seeks to get its members co-working towards ways to solve problems concerning waste through creativity. They have all-purposes spaces to work on projects, plus woodworking spaces, sewing stations, a café and desks to work on your laptops.
7. British Library
Based in: London
Good for: Computer and writing-based work
Cost: Free
The biggest library in the world, the vast collection of books also houses ample space to work on your computer-based projects. The British Library often hosts events and exhibitions that could help inspire you on a lunch break. Adult learning courses are also available should you want to delve further into topics such as bookbinding, jewellery making and even Latin.
8. Wellcome Collection Reading Room
Based: London
Good for: Computer and writing-based work
Cost: Free
The Reading Room, on level two of the Wellcome Collection building in central London, is a hybrid of library and museum, suitable for all ages and interests. There are over 1,000 books and objects grouped around themes including travel, food and the body. You can discover amulets and charms from all over the world, draw a self-portrait, or unroll a replica of an alchemical scroll. The Reading Room is designed to be more social than a typical library, with sofas and beanbags dotted around the room to breed conversation.
See more from the Wellcome Collection here
9. Barbican Centre
Based: London
Good for: Computer and writing-based work
Cost: Free
As well as being an epicentre for modern culture – with movie screenings and orchestral recitings galore – the Barbican constantly hosts backstage tours of their theatre space, as well as tours on their infamous Brutalist architecture. Those looking for a bit of nature can also access the second biggest conservatory in London on their top floor, where you can even spot some Koi fish!
10. The Photography Foundation
Based: London
Good for: Computer and writing-based work
Cost: Free
On the last Thursday of the month, The Photography Foundation open their doors for creatives to utilise their space to work on projects, meet new people and be in a creative and supportive environment. Providing tea, coffee and refreshments, they often partner with organisations and people to offer an activity to compliment the co-working day such as exhibition tours, photo walks and camera sales.
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This is an expanding list of interesting spaces and networks across the UK.
Let us know where you work from – email [email protected]!
Written by Creative Lives in Progress
