Cambridge Art Salon was born in Romsey Town, Cambridge, in April 2011 when a group of artists moved into an old motorbike shop to save their studio from closure. A DIY artist-led space, from September 2011 – June 2014, the Art Salon community gallery was home to multiple exhibitions, workshops, talks, network events and other community happenings. We also gave studios to up to 20 different artists and makers from all backgrounds at any one time.
In 2015 we opened studios in a warehouse in East Cambridge, UNIT 13 which is now governed independently by the artists based there. In 2016, we opened Chesterton based art space, 1 Thrifts Walk after years of regenerating it from a completely derelict space into a cultural hub for the community in Cambridge. However, please see our statement for an update on this space issued in 2026.
We have also curated arts projects with an inclusive community focus, exploring socially engaged processes to support access to art in the community.
Our team support Strawberry Fair Arts Area every year with an Arts Area cafe. We still proudly celebrate our roots supporting artist-led communities in Cambridge.