We want to encourage and support the cultural and arts communities of the borough and we particularly want to help to promote a positive image of Croydon and its place in the art, design and product worlds in the UK.

We want the arts and creativity to grow and thrive in Croydon; we will help to make this happen by supporting the work of professional artists, designers and craftspeople in the borough and connecting them to local manufacturers and retailers. Our long-term goal is also to help aspiring artists and craftspeople to enter the market and make it grow.

The directors include: writer and journalist, Bernadette Fallon; Lives Not Knives youth worker, Jack Kew; former brand manager & senior buyer for Selfridges & House of Fraser, Josi Kiss; international designer & photographer, Vipul Sangoi; and businesswoman & publican, Esther Sutton.

Our co-ordinator for the project is administrator, designer & illustrator, Michael To.

We would love to hear from any new artists, craftspeople, designers, businesses or community groups who are passionate about making Croydon a centre for creative activity and industry, as well as making it a viable place to sell creative work.

We are always looking for more partners to work with so please do get in touch with us if this is something that sparks your interest.

We’re developing relationships with other community groups and local enterprise to offer our partners commissions for events and one-off projects; for example, merchandise and gift bags to help promote Croydon.

We’re also working to find new markets for our partners, including setting up new pop-up spaces in the borough and teaming up with existing markets. We will also offer support and training for our members.

Ongoing marketing and promotion for our members: promoting local designers, craftspeople, artists and events in partnership with groups such as Boxpark, Croydon Council, local art galleries including RISE, The Paxton Centre and Turf Projects.

ARTS & CRAFTS CLASSES | we provide both taster sessions and short courses for those interested in arts & crafts hobbies.

WELLBEING WORKSHOPS | working with NHS social prescription to create a safe and welcoming environment to promoted wellbeing and combat social isolation.

HUB | a social and business network linking designers, makers, artists and business.

MADE IT IN CROYDON! | a programme focusing on the creative industry as a viable and rewarding career option through fairs, a Croydon-based mentorship scheme linking established designers and makers with new and aspiring artists and craftspeople, and practical short courses.

TRAILS | a Croydon arts & crafts trail based on the Open Studio concept, working with local businesses to showcase artists, designers and crafts people.

ONLINE | an online sales, promotion and information platform for our members and the Made in Croydon projects.