Children
Primary school children with behavioural or learning difficulties
Hands-on sessions in a safe, patient space where every child can explore, experiment and be proud of what they make.
London arts charity · since 1997
Art that helps young people find their way
We run art workshops for children with learning or behavioural difficulties, and for young adults who are homeless, unemployed or at risk of offending. The aim is simple: build confidence and life skills that lead to work or education.
1997Founded in London by artist Lanre Olagoke MBE
1088773Registered charity number, since 2001
50+Young creatives in our 2019 Carnaby Street space
W1BOur studio at Linen Hall, Regent Street
Who we help
Two groups who are often left out
Art gives people a way to express what they can't always say. We use it to help young people rebuild confidence and take their next step.
Young adults
Young people who are unemployed, homeless or at risk of offending
Mentoring, creative training and a regular place to belong, working with partners such as Centrepoint and London Probation.
What they leave with
- Confidence
- Creative skills
- Life skills
- A route into work or education
What we do
How we work
Expression
Painting, drawing and making as a way to tell your own story.
Inclusive arts education
Teaching and training open to everyone, whatever their background or challenges.
Community
Exhibitions, pop-up galleries and public art that bring people together.
Speaking up
Making the case for young people who are too often overlooked.
Where we reach people
- HM Prison Service
- Schools
- Colleges
- Care settings
- Approved Premises
Who we work with
- Centrepoint
- London Probation
- Metropolitan Police
- Westminster City Council
Gallery
Inside the studio
Workshops, exhibitions and visits from our Regent Street studio. Tap a photo to see it larger.
A word from our founder
Together, we will continue to ignite creativity, break barriers, and empower lives through the boundless possibilities of art.
This year we are expanding our work across schools, correctional facilities and underserved communities, with new projects that bring traditional and contemporary art forms together.
News
From the Trust
Remembering Dr Bonnie Greer OBE, FRSL (1948–2026)
Our patron Bonnie Greer died on 16 September 2026. She mentored our founder for eight years and inspired countless young creatives through her work with the Trust.
Lanre Olagoke receives his MBE from the King
Our founder was honoured for services to charity and young people.
We're partnering with the Affordable Art Fair, Battersea
We're starting 2026 by working with the Affordable Art Fair in Battersea.
A New Year message from our trustees
Thank you to everyone who supported us through a testing year, and what's ahead for 2026.
In the press
The Guardian Nigeria
From Africa to diaspora, art patrons and creatives celebrate Olagoke
By Oludare Richards
Read the article ↗
The Sun Nigeria
Lanre Olagoke dedicates MBE honour to African artists
By Henry Akubuiro
Read the article ↗
Vanguard
My MBE celebrates African creatives
By Osa Mbonu-Amadi, Arts Editor
Read the article ↗
Get involved
Three ways to help
Your support pays for art materials, workshops, mental health care and training that help young people get back into education and work.
Donate
£5 / month
A small monthly gift keeps workshops running and puts materials in young artists' hands. One-off donations are welcome too.
- Account
- Art-Alive Arts Trust
- Bank
- Santander
- Account no.
- 91001015
- Sort code
- 09-01-28
Set up a standing order with your bank using these details.
Become a Friend
Friends of the Trust
Yearly pledges that come with a closer look at our work.
| £250 | Thanks on our website, plus project updates |
| £500 | Adds event invitations, studio tours and a quarterly impact report |
| £1,000 | Adds priority event access and a personal thank-you video |
| £2,500 | Adds annual report credit and a VIP dinner invitation |
To pledge, email info@artalive.org.uk
Volunteer
Give your time and skills
Our team is mostly volunteers. We're looking for:
- Administration and fundraising help
- 2 social media volunteers
- DBS-checked care and transport support
- New trustees
Send your CV to info@artalive.org.uk
Supporters
The people who back us
Dr Bonnie Greer OBE
Patron · 1948–2026
Playwright, novelist and our patron. She mentored young creatives at the Trust for years and led our Era of Reclamation artist-in-residence project.
Sir Kenneth Olisa OBE
Businessman, philanthropist and the first mixed-heritage Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London.
Lutz Strangemann
CEO of Land Union Group. Gave more than 30 young creatives a space to work for over a year during lockdown.
Venetia Findlay
Patron of the arts who supports the Trust by buying work from our artists.
With thanks to our funders
- The National Lottery Community Fund
- The Crown Estate
- Shaftesbury Plc
- Westminster City Council
- Cayetana Hope Chest
Our team
Run mostly by volunteers
- Lanre Olagoke MBEFounder & Artistic Director
- Deiana GrantChair of Trustees
- Simone OlagokeTrustee
- Janet AndersonTrustee & Teacher
- Emeka OkezieProduct designer, volunteer
- Chioma AkameluArtist, volunteer
- Fatou RoseStylist, volunteer
- Jessica MeadePoet, support
Joining soon as trustees: Ayomide Christabel Sogunro and Jedidah Chionuma.
Accountability
Annual report 2024/25
Read the summary
A hard year for funding, but our W1 studio kept us going. We held on to our partnerships with Westminster City Council, Centrepoint, London Probation and the Metropolitan Police.
£30,000 unrestricted grant from Cayetana Hope Chest to support unemployed beneficiaries.
“Part 2 Play” brings past and present participants together every quarter to talk about challenges and goals.
Two pop-up exhibitions sold work to help fund future film projects.
Public art: taking part in the Big Soho Clean Up and building a public art service across London boroughs.
Looking ahead: a week-long exhibition in 2025/26 and our own Art-Alive Academy by 2028.
Full accounts for April 2024 to March 2025 are on the Charity Commission website under charity number 1088773.
Our vision and mission
Vision. A world where every young person, whatever their background, discovers their potential through art and creativity.
Mission. A safe, inclusive place where children, teenagers and vulnerable young adults can explore and build their creative talent through mentoring, varied art experiences and community work.
Coming soon
Tickets
VIP exhibition tickets
For our 2026/27 exhibitions and summer events.
Shop
AAAT products
Artwork and products made by our artists.
Africa
Art-Alive Africa
Bringing our work to young people across Africa.