About us

Peer is a not-for-profit free-to-access space for contemporary art located in the neighbourhood of Hoxton in East London. We place artists, young people and local communities at the heart of our internationally recognised programmes of exhibitions, commissions, talks and events, and workshops.  

Located in a converted shopfront in Arden Estate on Hoxton Street, Peer overlooks and maintains Khadija’s Garden. Peer has a critically acclaimed 26-year history as one of London’s most experimental spaces for contemporary art and has worked with artists including Chris Ofili, Mike Nelson, Bob and Roberta Smith, Danh Vo, Fiona Banner, Jadé Fadojutimi, Lubna Chowdhary, Tanoa Sasraku, Jacob V Joyce and Iris Touliatou, among many others. We work collaboratively with artists to support them at pivotal points in their careers, whether it’s their first exhibition in a public art gallery, an opportunity to reach new audiences, or a chance to explore something new in their practice. 

Our programme is committed to being in dialogue with our local context, as well as exploring radical histories and positions. To support and encourage meaningful exchange between visitors, artists and their work, a programme of talks, events, workshops and horticultural projects take place throughout each exhibition and have included Sheila Rowbotham, Ken Worpole, Hannah Proctor, Adam Elliott-Cooper, Aya Haidar, Mandy Merzaban and many more.

Peer’s programme for 2024 commenced with a solo exhibition by artist Ed Webb-Ingall, followed by a new commission by Peer Ambassador Artist in Residence 2023-24, Meera Shakti Osborne. To conclude the year, we present a new film commission by Onyeka Igwe. Throughout 2024 Peer is developing a new commission by artist Leah Clements for 2025.

Central to all our activities is the Peer Ambassadors Programme, a creative programme designed for, and led by, young people aged 17-25 from underrepresented and lower socio-economic backgrounds from Peer’s local area. The programme offers paid work experience at Peer, alongside a free professional development and learning programme. The Ambassadors also worked closely with Peer Ambassador Artist in Residence, Meera Shakti Osborne, throughout 2023-24 on a series of public sharings. 

Much of our programme is produced in partnership with national and international collaborators, as well as academic partners, residents, community organisers, educators, service providers, schools, libraries and charities.

Peer is a registered charity and part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio. Peer is supported by Hackney Council through a Voluntary Community Sector Lease.

All of our exhibitions and the majority of events are free and open to all.
More information on visiting us, getting in touch and access information.