Flight of Imagination
In February 2026, Calico Arts commissioned muralist Eli Delbaere to create a permanent mural for Sydenham Library, designed in collaboration with the community through two of the library’s existing free workshop sessions. Eli joined Susan Rafique’s weekly drop-in session and the classes of Anna Arianova, Sydenham Library’s artist in residence, to lead participants through drawings […]
Under the Whale
Under the Whale is Calico Arts’ gallery and flexible studio space at Calico Deptford on New King Street, open to artists and creatives looking to exhibit work, run workshops and classes, or photograph their practice. The space sits beneath Butch Attai’s anamorphic fin whale, painted on the rooftop as part of his 2026 mural commission […]
Mother House Studios Lewisham
Mother House Studios Lewisham is a creative studio space for professional artists who are parents or carers, based at House on the Hill. Artists work in an open-plan studio while children play in an adjacent dedicated space, with care shared between facilitators and studio members. The model removes a significant barrier to arts practice for […]
Junior Book Club
Our Junior Book Club created welcoming spaces for young readers to discover new books, share ideas and build confidence through discussion and creativity. Due to high demand, the programme expanded from a single group to additional sessions at Crofton Park with awarding winning author, Anna Dempsey, reaching even more children through a shared love of […]
Creativity, Stories & Learning
It’s All About Love
Through the ‘It’s All About Love’ collaboration with UAL MA Service Design, participants explored creativity, books and community through projects that used design as a tool for connection, reflection and building relationships.
Art with Anna
Through free workshops with Sydenham Library’s artist in residence Anna Arianova, children and young people explored painting, drawing and collaborative art projects, building creative confidence and developing new skills in a welcoming community space.
Rhyme Time and Story Time
Across all four libraries, our free Rhyme Time and Story Time sessions brought children and families together to enjoy songs, stories and shared reading, supporting early language development and a lifelong love of books.
In the Bag of Stars
The 2025 Imagined Worlds Creative Writing Competition celebrated emerging writers from across London, culminating in a showcase event and the launch of In the Bag of Stars, the first publication from Calico Press featuring winning entries and work from our Teens Creative Writing Club.