PEER is an independent arts org that, over the past 20 years, has laid deep roots in the socially, culturally and economically diverse area of Hoxton, East London. PEER’s core ethos is to embed its activities into the local community and to offer high quality art as part of daily life.
We have done this through our ambitious programme of projects working with nearly 150 artists, writers, curators and educators over two decades. It is equally our ambition to nurture and provide a platform for the talent of a diverse range of emerging, mid-career and established artists enabling them to take new risks. Past examples include important commissions with Mike Nelson, Fiona Banner, Danh Vo, Jonathan Baldock, Jadé Fadojutimi and Samson Kambalu to name a few.
Our Curator for Local Audiences works with our diverse immediate community and local partners to deliver programming centered on nurturing long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships. This delivers exemplary initiatives such as PEER Ambassadors, providing local young people with cultural training and paid gallery experience.
PEER has been an Arts Council England NPO since 2012; in 2018 we received uplift in support of our community and outreach activity. In 2018 our Director was honoured with an MBE for services to the arts in Hackney.
PEER’s big aspirations and modest size play key roles in securing our place within the broader London art ecology. We offer both emerging and established artists the opportunity to test bold ideas in an intimate environment that stimulates experimentation and dialogue. Our human scale makes us less bureaucratic and opaque in comparison with many larger institutions. Artists cherish the opportunities that PEER has to offer, and the position that we occupy within the art world.
