This document outlines a framework to support arts and cultural projects in the Church Street area of London as part of a housing renewal program. It recommends creating creative spaces, establishing funding and communication networks, and appointing a coordinator. Creative space ideas include expanding an arts venue, building new studios and exhibition spaces, and replacing a historic theatre. A funding process and local panel would distribute money according to criteria like community engagement. Communication networks like Mapify would publicize opportunities. The coordinator role would help implement the framework and leverage additional funds. The goal is to make the neighborhood a vibrant cultural destination through community-focused art projects.

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ChurchStreet:
ArtsandCulture

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Contents
September 2014
Reflectingtheviewsandambitions
ofartsandculturalgroupsand
individualsintheChurchStreetArea.
Showroom
1. Introduction 2
2. Recommendations 4
3. Creative Spaces 5
4. Framework 9
Partnerships and R&D
Local Funding System
Portal For Applications
Assessing and Approving Proposals
Criteria
Communication Networks
Coordinator
Role of The Arts and Culture Working Group
Project Examples
5. Funding Process 16
6. Background 19
7. Development and Works Schedule 20

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It is the right time for Church Street
to be recognised for its genius. Its
history, market, location, social and
cultural hybridisation is a unique
and enticing global crossroads.
Westminster City Council commissioned Arts
Management Consultant Beth Cinamon to produce a
practical framework that seeks to support cultural and
creative projects and developments in the Church Street
area as part of the Housing renewal programme.
In part, the framework responds to the Arts & Cultural
Strategy of the Infrastructure and Public Realm
Plan developed by Feilden Bradley Clegg Studios for
Westminster City Council in 2013.
Over a two-month period Beth interviewed 18 arts and
cultural organisations and individual artists – many of whom
are members of the Arts and Culture Working Group, a sub
committee of the Futures Steering Group since 2013.
These conversations have helped to establish which
aspects of the Arts & Cultural strategy they may want to
pursue; their hopes and ambitions for the area; and the
type of projects they feel are relevant.
The results also highlighted the lack of spaces and
adequate creative facilities in the Church Street area,
suggesting a number of exciting opportunities and
concepts that should be considered as part of the
renewal programme.
The arts and cultural groups stressed that supporting
on-going and new projects will foster partnerships and
creative opportunities for the neighbourhood.
And that a local funding and communication infrastructure
will enable collaborations and innovative partnerships to
thrive in the lead up to the area’s regeneration, and beyond.
Artists and organisations are committed to playing
a greater role to improve visibility of the arts and in
developing ideas. They should be involved early on in
the concept and design stages of regeneration projects,
forming an inclusive approach that optimizes wellbeing
for all generations.
There was a very positive reaction to the environmental
concept of ‘living in a garden’ which will provide creative
opportunities for collaboration between local people,
artists and designers.
Retaining and building community engagement is key.
The work of the smaller organisations, the neighbourhood
initiatives, local festivals and activities are part of the
social fabric.
The Church Street area attracts a vibrant cultural mix of
people from around the world. Finding new ways to bring the
inside out and increase visibility and access for all is central
to the new urban environmental vision.
And so the renewal plans and vision for the Church
Street area opens up all sorts of opportunities to
continue building dynamic relationships between art,
artists, people and places.
Introduction

4. 4 5
Two areas of focus
The following pages describe how creative spaces should
be considered within the wider plans going forward whilst
providing an outline framework that will foster new and on-
going projects and communication networks.
Recommendations
CreativeSpaces
Creative Spaces
to be considered
within the wider
development plans
Framework
Tosupportexistingand
newprojects,research
anddevelopment
andstronger
communication
networks
An extension to The Cockpit
comprising new studios
and rehearsal spaces for
professional learning and
creating with accessible
access. A flexible, rentable
space for social events and
meetings is also in high
demand but currently not
provided for in the area.
Exhibition spaces and
purpose built studios would
enable artists to carry out
and present their practice
in the area. Currently artists
have to find appropriate
spaces in other parts of
London. It would also attract
other artists to the area.
Rebuild a creative arts space
on Church Street
to replace The West London
Theatre where the Church
Street library currently
stands. The theatre opened
in 1831 and was eventually
demolished in 1970 for a
parade of shops with flats
above. A new build, housing
the library, would be a
unique attraction and provide
artistic, social, wellbeing,
learning facilities as well as
employment opportunities.
Improving existing facilities and
planning for new temporary or
permanent studios, workshops,
platforms and presentation spaces.
Arts and creativity are known to contribute to the economy,
desirability and vibrancy of a neighbourhood. Supporting the
development of a vibrant arts scene must be an integral part
to the innovative regeneration plan.
Artists and organisations want to be involved in the changing
shape of community arts and can help influence the design,
architecture and planning of the development works.
The arts organisations in the Church Street area, have for
many years, been fostering talent and building the area’s
reputation as an important training and creating environment
for professional artists and students.
The following proposals should be researched further and
considered within the wider development plans:
Jazz in the Round,
photo Kim Hardy

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A designated space to
develop children and young
people’s creativity with two
large rehearsal studios, one
dance studio, a café/chill
out space and a media hub.
Having a creative hub for
children and young people,
including nurturing start-
up companies and young
creative entrepreneurs,
would be a great legacy
for the area’s regeneration
that would benefit future
generations.
The Subway Gallery as an
inspirational unique art
space hub that expands
to include all 8 subway
entrances and subway walls
creating a vibrant destination
for visitors and UK and
international artists and
partnerships.
New builds or developments
that embrace wellbeing and
people with dementia so
that from the start the idea
is embedded in sensitive
accessible architecture,
welcoming colour schemes,
dementia-friendly signage,
programming and staff.
An International Music
School developed through
a long-standing partnership
between The Cockpit, Jazz
Warriors and Radio 3, to link
in with schools, Westminster
Urban Orchestra, Royal
College of Music, London
Jazz, and Middle Eastern
musicians.
A professional dance
facility, in partnership with
Marylebone Dance Studio
currently at 12 Lisson
Grove (lease is expiring)
and IDMN, Independent
Dance Managers Network
(approx 50) and a number
of professional dance
companies including Ballet
Black who deliver youth
programmes locally and
tour internationally.
Occasionally, spaces
and opportunities arise –
including sites that will be
subject to disruption – that
could be utilised by artists or
organisations. These could
be interesting places for
artistic intervention, projects
or presentation.
Temporary artists
studios in stacked
containers could
create affordable
striking spaces
for an artistic
community to thrive.
Pop-ups, screenings and
installations on surfaces, in
showhomes or gardens could
be exciting ways to showcase
the work of artists. Dressing
environments and exhibiting
locally produced work could
encourage collaboration and
dialogue with developers
and invite the public to see
what’s going on and to take
part in the longer aim of the
project.
Westminster City Council
will announce opportunities
through the communication
networks if and when they
arise. Alternatively, if a
potential space is identified
independently, an enquiry
in the first instance, should
be made to the Housing
Regeneration Team at
Westminster City Council.
TemporarySpaces

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Framework
A practical framework comprising:
a funding process with criteria
and guidelines; a panel with local
expertise; a portal to manage the
administration; and a strengthened
communication network, will
enable innovative partnerships and
projects to thrive in the area.
The Church Street housing development will generate
income that is to be reinvested in the area, with guidance
from the local stakeholder group, Futures Steering Group.
More information can be found at vitalregeneration.org
As funding becomes available over the next four years and
beyond, some of this funding will be available for arts and
cultural groups that make a real difference to the area.
The priority of the funds is to increase creativity, enterprise
and employment opportunities in the area.
Partnerships and R&D
Research and Development will enable longer-term planning,
will foster deeper partnerships and will help form of new ideas
that could graduate to larger proposals in subsequent years.
Arts and Cultural groups and the wider network will continue
to build strong partnerships and collaborations. With capacity
to deepen these relationships and research new ideas,
projects can be better integrated with enterprise, public realm,
education, health and wellbeing.
Church Street activities and projects could link more closely to
national schemes such as GLA’s Artist-led schemes or study for
artists’ workspace, London Arts and Health Forum’s Creativity
and Wellbeing week, Big Dance or Open House.
Local Funding System
This will enable the local community, individuals, groups and
arts and cultural organisations to submit proposals at two
deadlines per year, starting in Autumn 2014.
Guidelines and application forms will be available. Monitoring
and evaluation will be required and could contribute to an
archive or learning resource.
Tavaziva Dance, former
residents of Marylebone
Dance Studios

7. 10 11
In addition, opportunities and commissions that arise over
the course of the development will be channeled through the
funding system. For example, an interpretation of a park design
or specific event on the market. Westminster City Council will
announce these opportunities through the communication
networks (see page 12).
Year One
In year one it is envisaged that proposals of between £1,000-
£10,000 will be supported. These can include projects and
creative activities, R&D of ideas, leading to future projects, and
the development of partnerships.
Year Two
In year two it is envisaged that proposals and larger bids may
also include outdoor themes that align with the masterplan’s
environmental and urban change focus or may help deliver
specific aspects on development sites (eg playgrounds).
Year Three and Four
In year three it is envisaged proposals may also include indoor
themes that incorporate built spaces.
Portal For Applications
Westminster Adult Education Service will manage the portal
and administration of the proposals. This will involve managing
the submission and distribution process of applications and the
administration and financial contract agreements.
Assessing and Approving Project Proposals
A panel made up of community and local experts will make
recommendations for funding. The Arts and Culture Working
Group will make a decision based on the recommendations
and will seek endorsement from Westminster City Council.
The panel should:
– Conduct a fair and transparent decision-making process
– Provide local knowledge and expert support when assessing
proposals
– Consult specific art form experts if this expertise is not in the
panel
– Assess proposals, ensuring they clearly match the criteria and
contribute to the delivery of the mission statement.
Where a conflict of interest may arise, the person/s concerned
should make this known and therefore may not be invited to
attend that meeting.
The make-up of the panel should be carefully considered and
members need to acknowledge that their involvement could
be time-consuming. One of the following two options should be
adopted:
– A panel of minimum 3 people representing a range of art
forms and with experience of commissioning/contracting
work. They will seek additional advice and expertise if not
within the panel.
– A panel of 8 people drawn from Arts and Culture Working
Group, Community organisations, Futures Steering Group
representative, young people and residents

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Criteria
Funding proposals should show how they contribute to
increased enterprise, education or employment in the area and
address at least one of the following:
Community engagement and impact Engage local people in
process or delivery of arts and cultural activities in the Church
Street area and benefit the community where it matters
Partnerships Develop new or existing partnerships between
artists, community groups, organisations, services and local
enterprises
Cultural dynamism Promote and inspire cultural or social
exchange through arts projects
Participation Be inclusive and enable people who don’t have
easy access, to take part in projects or activities
Communication Networks
Mapify has co-created MapifyCS site with the community and
key stakeholders such as The Cockpit, Showroom, Lisson
Gallery, Seymour Arts and Paddington Development Trust and is
creating a pathway for stronger ownership and engagement of
the communication tool in the future.
It is envisaged that Mapify could also upload approved projects
to the site, as well as those in development.
In addition to communication through MapifyCS, other
networks such as PDT (Paddington Development Trust), Vital
Regeneration, IDMN (Independent Dance Managers Network)
and WAES (Westminster Adult Education Service) will be able to
alert their contacts when opportunities and funding or commission
deadlines are announced by Westminster City Council.
Mapity’s ‘Network Mapping and Data Gathering’ sessions with
arts and cultural organisations is a key part of the community
engagement process. Sessions will include site visits to
organisations and surgeries for the core Arts and Cultural
groups in partnership with the Lisson Gallery on 31st of July
and with the wider community on 11th September. The full
Mapify site is scheduled to launch end September 2014.
Mapify will also continue to explore ways in which it could help
to direct funding partnerships for arts and culture into the area.
Coordinator
The arts and culture working group is divided over the need
for a Curator (or Coordinator) who could create, support and
coordinate a programme that includes opportunities and briefs
for artists/organisations to respond to.
While some see that having a coordinator would be a useful
role in supporting the framework, others felt it unnecessary as
organisations are well placed and experienced to carry this out
and a unifying artistic vision could be constrictive.
I recommend recruiting a part-time Coordinator for at least
one year to support this report’s suggested framework, drive
forward projects and leverage further funds. This post should
be extended if proven effective.
Arts and Culture Working Group
The Arts and Culture Working Group was set up as a sub- group
of the Futures Steering Group in 2013 to represent arts and
culture in the Church Street area.
Its purpose, as a body of arts and culture experts, is to advise
on the best approach to delivering the mission statement and
to be a resource to call upon and liaise with.
Its main current function is liaising with Westminster City
Council, the Futures Steering Group, and guiding the best
approach to opportunities that arise, as well as agreeing a way
forward in response to this report.
Currently the group meets monthly. This will reduce to once
every two months from September 2014.
Alternatively, the Arts and Culture Working Group could, at a
later point, transfer as a sub-committee to the newly forming
Church Street Neighbourhood Ward Forum (CHNWF) to provide
arts and culture related guidance and mediation. This requires
further discussion.
Mission Statement: Arts and Culture Working Group
Our vision is to transform and enrich people’s
experience of arts and culture in the Church
Street area in the lead up to the area’s regeneration,
and beyond.
We aim to make the Church Street neighbourhood
one of London’s most vibrant destinations. We will
do this by generating creative projects that respond
to the urban landscape, engage the public, and bring
about a cultural exchange within local communities.

9. 14 15
Excellent projects are already well
embedded in the community but
require support to continue and
develop, while others will be new
initiatives.
Projects can help interpret
the process of change, extend
the scope of work to new
environments, find interesting
places for artistic intervention
and facilitate ideas.
Horn of Africa Gallery, a Subway Gallery partnership project
with adjacent kiosk showcasing artists from Ethiopia, Somalia,
Eritrea, Djibouti. A pilot of this project is to be launched in
October and will coincide with Frieze Art Fair.
Sculpture park or sensory playground designed to reflect
environmental and urban change. This could be a partnership
project linked to schools and adult education to ensure an
intergenerational aspect.
The Serpentine Gallery’s Edgware Road Project and Skills
Exchange two existing projects in the area. Linking local and
international artists with people living and working in the
neighbourhood. The project base Centre for Possible Studies,
has screenings, events and is an ongoing project archive. Skills
Exchange produces opportunities for exchange between artists,
elderly people and younger people addressing social change,
isolation of older people and segregation.
Project being developed by local artist Emma Blau centred
around the initial development sites and involving local people.
The Showroom’s Communal Knowledge is specifically
targeted at engaging local residents and groups in shaping
the production of challenging new projects with artists that
engage with issues at stake in the Church Street ward, and
creates opportunities for discussion, exchange and creativity.
Recent exhibition by printmaker Ciara Phillips, was nominated
for this year’s Turner Prize and will be exhibited at Tate Britain
and involved women from the Marylebone Project Women’s
Refuge and the Domestic Workers Union Justice for Domestic
Workshops.
The Sunday Art Market. This would be a new market of Arts and
Crafts with potential for enterprises, development, commerce
and showcasing projects
A Living Archive with Church Street Library playing a key role in
engaging various communities of Church Street. It can deliver
joint programmes with health and wellbeing, adult education,
employment and enterprise.
Global Crossroads, Summer Festivals outdoor cultural and
environmental themes that can inform the design of new public
realm in church street including the ‘green spine’ concept,
larger park and street market.
ProjectExamples

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Westminster City Council to release information
of funding opportunity
Funding opportunity and deadline announced
publicly through communication networks
Application forms, guidelines and criteria
supplied or downloaded.
6 weeks Project proposals developed ready for
submission
Submission of proposals to Westminster Adult
Education Service portal
4 weeks Proposals circulated to Panel for initial
assessment and criteria scoring.
Additional expert consultation to be sought if
required
Panel meet to discuss each proposal and
make recommendations. In some cases,
decision will be deferred following reasonable
queries.
Arts and Cultural Working Group meet to agree
recommendations
4 weeks Agreed recommendations to Westminster City
Council for final endorsement
2 weeks Applicants to be informed by email and in
writing of successful/unsuccessful proposal.
– If successful,a contract stating 2 instalments
(70%/30%) issued and a final evaluation report
is to be submitted at completion of project.
– Publicise approved projects
– If unsuccessful, basic feedback should
be offered and an application could be
resubmitted at a later point, if appropriate.
First instalment of 70% released on receipt of
signed contract and project start date.
Projects delivered / completed
Evaluation report submitted
– Final instalment of 30% released.
FundingProcess
The funding
programme will
be launched in
Oct – Nov 2014.

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Background
The background summary was ex-
tracted from the Church Street and
Paddington Green Infrastructure
and Public Realm Plan’s Executive
Summary
“In November 2012 Westminster City Council commissioned
a multidisciplinary team led by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios
to deliver an Infrastructure and Public Realm Plan (IPRP) for
Church Street and Paddington Green Renewal Area. The brief
was to create a vision to enhance the public realm of the
existing neighbourhood and seek ways to reconnect the area to
the wider Westminster context.”
“In the past there have been improvements to the public realm
implemented within the Paddington and Church Street area but
they have been largely piecemeal and proven to be ineffectual.
The Infrastructure and Public Realm Plan acknowledges that
there is a need for a more holistic and dramatic step-change
required in the public realm in order to address many of
the issues in the area and create one of London’s most
liveable neighbourhoods and a model for future estate and
neighbourhood renewal in Westminster.”
“The Church Street Futures Plan is an opportunity to create
London’s most liveable neighbourhood with an enduring legacy
not only for its residents but also for London and other UK
cities.”
“The implementation of the Infrastructure and Public Realm
Plan will take up to 15 to 20 years to fully realise the whole of
the vision.”
“There is an opportunity to engage the local community,
schools and groups in the management and maintenance of
their neighbourhood, from the community productive garden
spaces to the wider Green Spine and neighbourhood.”
“Engaging with the community will nuture a common sense
of stewardship and civic pride in the neighbourhood which
should be celebrated with a programme of events and activities
throughout the year.”
Thank you to the consultees
Emma Blau
Resident (Chair, AC Working Group)
Ismail Bingor
Resident (Chair, AC Working Group )
Joe Hegarty
Future Steering Group (Chair)
Angela Sharkey and Tracey Havil
Westminster Adult Education Service
(WAES)
Emily Pethick and Louise Shelley
Showroom Gallery
Dave Wybrow
Cockpit Theatre
Amal Khalaf
Serpentine Gallery
Charlotte Fergusson
Cultural Partnerships Officer,
Westminster City Council
Denis Kane
60 Penfold Street
Robert Gordon McHarg III
Subway Gallery
Graham Whitlock
DreamArts
Tilley Harris and Kemi Bamidele
Mapify
Kathryn Gilfoy
Westminster Arts, Resonate
programme
Sue Jenkins
North East Integrated Locality
Manager, Westminster City Council
Mahbuba Khan
Church Street Library
Tim Tubbs
Dance UK, Independent Dance
Mangers Netwrok
Cllr Aziz Toki
Central London Youth Development
Sheba Khan
Vital Regeneration (co-coordinating
role as neighbourhood renewal partner
organisation)
Matt Blades
Principal Economic Development
Officer, City Planning Westminster City
Council
Martin Whittles
Head of Public Realm, Westminster
City Council
Debbie So
Programme and Innovation Lead of
Impact Hub Islington
Simon Fuller
Westminster Adult Education Service
Arts and cultural organisations based in the area
include: The Cockpit, The Showroom, Lisson Gallery,
The Subway Gallery, Penfold Hub, Seymour Arts and
Westminster Adult Education Service. DreamArts, The
Serpentine Gallery, Westminster Arts and groups have
been delivering specific projects in the area for years.
The Church Street library, Paddington Development Trust
and Vital Regeneration are highly active community
players in the area. A larger than known number of
independent artists live and work in the area.

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Church Street
Lisson Arches
Luton Street
Cosway Street
Lilestone Street
DevelopmentSiteand
WorksSchedule
2014 20172015 20182016
Jan Feb Mar Apr MayJun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecJan Feb Mar Apr MayJun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr MayJun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr MayJun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr MayJun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Build on site
Build on site
Build on site
Build on site
Developer
Appointed
Developer
Appointed
Planning
Application
Planning
Application
Planning
Application
Public realm works
Public realm works
Public realm works
Public realm works
The four main sites for
development are Luton Street,
Lisson Arches, Lilestone Street
and Cosway Street. Significant
improvements will be made to
facilities and playspaces, streets,
parks and homes.
As described in the document The Future of Your
Neighbourhood proposals, Church Street is known as the
commercial and social heart of the neighbourhood, and is
where improvements are now proposed by the developers and
Westminster City Council.
For further information on the
renewal programme or this
report, please contact the
housing regeneration team at
Westminser City Council.

13. 22
September2014
WrittenbyBethCinamon
beth.cinamon@gmail.com
DesignDannyMcNeil
Commissionedby
WestminsterCityCouncil