The APPG for Visual Arts and Artists hold its AGM in Parliament, announcing new Officer Lord Bassam
This week, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Visual Arts & Artists convened for its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Westminster.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Visual Arts and Artists is a group of parliamentarians who are committed to raising awareness of and building support for the visual arts community, and ensuring this vital sector continues to be world leading.
ACME Propeller Factory Open Studios. Photograph by Hydar Dewachi.
The APPG for Visual Arts and Artists is Chaired by:
- Cat Eccles MP (Labour, Stourbridge)
The Officers of the group are:
- Manuela Perteghalla MP (Liberal Democrat, Statford-upon-Avon)
- Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Conservative)
- Lord Bassam (Labour)
A full list of APPG members is available below
Tuesday 3 March 2026: Access to Affordable Studios – A Year On
- The meeting will take place on Tuesday, 3rd March 2026, 12:30-1:30pm.
- Location: TV Interview Room (off Committee Corridor, House of Lords side)
On Tuesday 3 March 2026, a few MPs and Peers will hear from Kate Gray, CEO of WASPS and Lea O’Loughlin and Richard Kingsnorth, Co-Directors of Acme Studios. The briefing session will explore practical approaches to securing long‑term, affordable artist studios. Speakers will discuss how studio providers are protecting creative spaces from market pressures through ownership, partnerships, planning tools and sustainable funding models, and will share lessons learned that could be applied more widely across the UK.
Please email the secretariat if you would like to attend this informal briefing.