Not My Beautiful House: a creative community hub for students and artists

Not My Beautiful House was launched in 2021 as a creative space that gives Kingston University students, alumni and local artists a platform to sell and display their work. The space, located in the heart of Kingston, provides a way for artists and creatives to connect with the community.

The project was brought to life through a partnership between the Union of Kingston Students and Studio KT1 from Kingston School of Art (KSA). Together, they raised £70,000 through the Mayor of London's ‘Make London' Fund, making the vision of this space a reality. Over 40 students from various disciplines contributed to turning a vacant unit into a thriving exhibition and gallery space within just four weeks.

Opening in May 2021, Not My Beautiful House was located on Fife Road then moved to the Market Place, both prime spots in the centre of Kingston. Since its launch, it has welcomed over 19,000 visitors, with the website attracting over 38,000 users. The shop features a diverse range of products including fashion, art, prints and university merchandise. Around 60% of sellers are Kingston students or alumni.

This innovative project has set a new standard for turning empty town spaces into vibrant community hubs. It has boosted activity in the area, making a positive impact on local businesses. The Kingston Borough Council and Kingston First have recognised the project as a game-changer.

Not My Beautiful House has offered valuable opportunities for students and alumni to display their work, gain commercial experience and connect with potential customers. Many participants have seen significant income growth by selling their products through the space. It’s also raised profits for the Union of Kingston Students, while providing a space to engage with creative talent.

Future plans

The success of the project has led to extended occupancy twice, with the hope of securing further funding to continue offering the space for the Kingston creative community. The goal is to keep supporting student and local talent for as long as possible.