Archway Zone
Islington's Creative Enterprise Zone
Archway is a community that is proud and protective of its quirky creatives, with residents and businesses regularly promoting #KeepArchwayWeird, a phrase that started out because of Archway’s unusual mix of creative activity.
Welcome to Archway
The Zone, which launched in 2023, is focused on developing clear opportunities for local residents including from underrepresented backgrounds to break into creative careers, including in production or ‘back office’ roles.
Supporting Zone creatives
The aim of the Zone is to nurture and support our existing grassroots organisations to survive, thrive, and grow.
This is achieved by delivering clear social value through the programme’s capital scheme. This builds on Islington’s established Affordable Workspace social value model and supports a wide range of creative endeavours – spanning performing art, fine art, music and production – recognising that Archway has a proud emerging identity that celebrates its eclectic mix of local creatives.
A community lead by local talent
The zone also is striving to establish forms of governance that makes space for local voices and support active participation from local stakeholders.
Creative ambassadors
Meet the Archway Zone's creative ambassadors – local champions who connect the community, support creative talent and help shape the Zone.
Tandi Fashion
Thandi Ojeer, is the founder of Tandi Fashion, who takes inspiration from her East African heritage, working with the iconic kanga fabric known for its bold patterns and Swahili proverbs. Thandi took part in the London Made Me Retail Accelerator programme in 2024, selling her designs in our Battersea Power Station pop-up store.
Matchbox Collective
The Matchbox is a group of professional muralists, sign-writers, street artists and visual artists who came together to keep making good things.
The founding members met on the job, or rather, on mural sites. Hells Gibson and Ellie Fryer (pictured), are founders of the growing team which also includes Shio, Qwynto, Hatch, Trin, Sylvia Signs, Karc, Melissa Hartley and Will Redgrove.
Latest news
Find news from City Hall about the Archway Zone.
Get in touch
To learn more and get in touch, visit the Archway Zone's website.
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