Our vision
Stanley Arts welcomes all audiences and all artists, but is particularly welcoming to communities that have previously been excluded from creative spaces. Our artistic family includes the widest range of artists working in dance, music, theatre, performance, visual arts, and crafts. We seek to give emerging artists across all these art forms the opportunity to grow through innovation,
collaboration and participation. With a particular eye on the creative technologies of the future, we embrace opportunities to create and share work through digital media. We stand proud of our heritage. We stand together with our community. Our history
Stanley Arts started life as a charity in 2013, named Stanley People’s Initiative. The organisation was established by the local community to take over management from Croydon Council of the two thirds of the historic Stanley Halls complex that was left behind when the Stanley Upper Hall and Clocktower were absorbed into the new Harris Academy. Since 2015 Stanley Arts has sought to revitalise, reimagine and restore the remaining parts of the Stanley Halls complex, staying true to the original vision of William Stanley; whilst reinterpreting it for a new century. Stanley wished to promote Justice, Liberty and Science through the sharing of culture and art with the widest possible cross-section of local people. Stanley Arts aims to do the same, whilst preserving our unique buildings for future generations.
