Archway is an area full of creative and diverse organisations, making the area a melting pot of opportunity for local people.  

These opportunities aren’t always accessed equally and many organisations struggle with funding and space.  

That’s why the area has been designated by the Mayor of London as a Creative Enterprise Zone. This is a status which affirms the council’s commitment to boosting the area’s creative economy. This provides funding and works with local authorities to make creative economies more resilient through affordable workspaces, work experience opportunities and practical training for creatives.  

The Labour-run Council will receive £70,000 which will be aided by £200,000 of its own funding, to support the creative sector in the area – which will have a large focus on grassroots organisations.  

Some of the Council’s goals for the next three years include: 

• developing 1,200 square metres of new creative affordable workspaces 
• encouraging a 15 per cent increase in the number of creative businesses in the area around Navigator Square 
• assisting 300 young people to access opportunities in creative careers 

The council will also provide 50 per cent match funding for a creative internship in Archway each year for three years. 

Councillor Santiago Bell-Bradford, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy and Jobs has said “Islington already has a diverse and exciting creative sector, which businesses and organisations active across the borough.  

But we know that access to these can be difficult to reach for many local people, so I am delighted to see Archway designated as a Creative Enterprise Zone. This will bring great benefits to the area, and I look forward to seeing the impact this has for Islington’s exciting new economy.”