Chisenhale Art Place (CAP) occupies a special position in London’s East End, providing valuable space for the production and experience of contemporary visual arts and dance – all under one roof.

CAP was established in 1980 when a group of artists and dancers were evicted from their studios at Butler’s Wharf by property developers. Over in East London vast numbers of buildings lay empty, and so the group focused their search for a new home there.

Chisenhale Works, a former factory, had been derelict for over a decade. Founding members recall a filthy, empty shell – apart from an enormous pile of silver shoes – with little to suggest its future purpose.

To the group however, the place was ideal. Rubbish and graffiti had to be removed, roofing, electrics, glazing, walls and doors all had to be installed – with most of the work being carried out by the artists and dancers themselves. It took over two year years to create Chisenhale Art Place, complete with 40 artists studios and two dance studios. In time, the Gallery was created to provide a public exhibition space.

Today, Chisenhale Art Place is thriving. Home to three distinct initiatives – Chisenhale Dance Space, Chisenhale Gallery and Chisenhale Studios – with each operating unique programmes that enable emerging and established artists and dancers to develop, experiment and make exceptional work.  And in turn, creating extensive opportunities for audiences and communities near and far to participate, learn and engage.

Chisenhale Art Place  (CAP) is a company limited by guarantee (no.01615990). The company is also a registered charity (no. 285125) established to promote art education.  CAP’s Board of Trustees act to ensure the smooth and compliant running of the organisation and  that the charitable aims & objectives are met. Our two Member organisations, Chisenhale Dance Space and Chisenhale Gallery, are independently managed with their own Boards of Trustees.  A representative from each also sits on CAP’s Board of Trustees along with elected artists from Chisenhale Studios’.  They join other trustees who bring professional expertise in fields such as Finance, Fundraising, Property, HR and the Environment.

Trustee Profiles

Chisenhale Gallery Trustees
Chisenhale Dance Space Trustees

Chisenhale Art Place & Chisenhale Studios
Executive Director: Andy Wakelin
Administrator: Sam Thompson-Plant

Chisenhale Gallery
Director: Zoé Whitley
Deputy Director: Charlotte Cole
Full list of Chisenhale Gallery Staff

Chisenhale Dance Space
Executive Director: Reece McMahon
General Manager: Rachel Goodsall
Full list of Chisenhale Dance Space Staff

Click on the + for more detailed information, such as our current Business Plan and operational policies.