Peer

Peer is a not-for-profit free-to access space for contemporary art, located in the neighbourhood of Hoxton in East London. We place artists, young people and local communities at the heart of our internationally recognised programmes of exhibitions, commissions, talks and events and workshops.  

Located in a converted shopfront in Arden Estate on Hoxton Street, Peer overlooks and maintains Khadija’s Garden. Peer has a critically acclaimed 25-year history as one of London’s most experimental spaces for contemporary art and has worked with artists including Chris Ofili, Mike Nelson, Bob & Roberta Smith, Danh Vō, Fiona Banner, Emma Hart, Jimmy Robert, Jadé Fadojutimi, Lubna Chowdhary and Iris Touliatou, among many others. We work collaboratively with artists to support them at pivotal points in their careers, whether it’s their first exhibition in a public art gallery, an opportunity to reach new audiences, or a chance to explore something new in their practice. To support and encourage dialogue between visitors, artists and their work, a programme of talks, events and workshops take place throughout each exhibition.

Central to all our activities is the Peer Ambassadors Programme, a rolling six-month, creative programme designed for, and led by, young people aged 17-25 from underrepresented and lower socio- economic backgrounds based in Peer’s local area. The programme offers paid work experience at Peer, alongside a free professional development and learning programme. The Ambassadors also work closely with Peer Ambassador Artist in Residence, Meera Shakti Osborne, throughout 2023-24 on new ambitious public commissions. 

Much of our programme is produced in partnership with national and international collaborators, as well as residents, local community organisers, educators, service providers, schools, libraries and charities. 

Peer is a registered charity and part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio. Peer is supported by Hackney Council through a Voluntary Community Sector Lease.