Fusion Arts Announces New Spaces for Oxford
I had the pleasure of catching up with the Fusion Arts team to talk about their exciting new spaces in Oxford.
They have taken over several empty premises on Park End Street and George Street which are being transformed into vibrant community and art spaces.>>
Give us an overview of Fusion Arts and how it all started.
Fusion Arts is all about connecting artists with communities to spark creative projects that promote social justice and celebrate diversity. Our mission is to create dynamic, participatory artistic experiences that really make a difference, whether it’s tackling climate justice, equality, or other urgent social issues. We’ve been doing this important work for years, originally known as Bloomin’ Arts, right in the heart of East Oxford since 1977.
Our work stretches across Oxfordshire and beyond. You might know us from various local events like Oxford’s Light Festival and Oxford Windrush Festival. We also work with BBC Children in Need to provide creative art activities to children with speech, language, and communication difficulties.
Everything we do is focused on connecting people, art, and important causes in a meaningful way.
You just launched some new spaces in Oxford, tell us more about this.
We are in the process of transforming several empty spaces near the Oxford railway station into vibrant community and arts hubs, advancing our mission to unite art and community. These spaces will host workshops, events, exhibitions, and grassroots music, and provide studio space for local artists in the coming years.
We’re also partnering with local businesses, groups, and organisations that might otherwise struggle to find space in the heart of Oxford, whether for meetings, rehearsals, or storage. These spaces will truly serve the community’s needs.
Our focus has always been on welcoming people and groups who might otherwise feel excluded from the arts, and with these new spaces, we’re excited to create a real, inclusive place for those who may not have felt they had one. This marks a pivotal step in our journey to foster spaces that bring artists and communities together, supporting both creative expression and personal growth.
What inspired Fusion Arts to create these new community and art spaces in Oxford?
Our inspiration comes from a deep commitment to reintroducing community and creativity into Oxford in ways that are accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Over the past few years, Fusion has transformed vacant spaces across the city—from retail and office locations to catering venues—into vibrant, community-centered hubs. For example, we brought the Caribbean Living Room and artist studios to Temple Cowley.
Ultimately, it’s the opportunity to create affordable, experimental spaces that bring people together and allow creativity to thrive that drives our work.
How do these spaces align with Fusion Arts’ overall mission and vision?
This opportunity aligns with Fusion Arts’ commitment to delivering meaningful, inclusive, and accessible arts experiences. For over 45 years, Fusion Arts has enriched lives through quality arts programs, supporting artists, breaking down barriers, and fostering community cohesion. These new spaces allow us to continue nurturing creative talent and expanding opportunities for community engagement through the arts.
Were there any key factors that made you select the location near the Oxford rail station?
These spaces have been vacant for years and are set to be redeveloped by Nuffield College as part of the city’s broader development plans in the coming years. With support from the college and city council, we saw the chance to bring them to life.
Supporting communities in need has always been a focus for us. There are many areas across Oxford that are identified as some of the most deprived in the country. Providing greater resources and opportunities in these areas is crucial for fostering equity and supporting individuals and families. Oxford City Centre is one such area, and we’re committed to playing our part in addressing these needs.
What types of workshops, events, and exhibitions will be hosted in these new spaces? What can people expect?
At the end of September, we hosted the DEPOT art fair and solo artist exhibitions in one of the new spaces on Park End Street. We also ran a poster-making workshop and an artist talk, which allowed us to experiment with the layout and consider improvements for future events.
We received valuable feedback from the public, who shared ideas on how they’d like the space to be used. So, to answer your question—while the full range of events and workshops is still evolving, we’re committed to making sure the community’s interests and input are at the core of what we offer. Expect a variety of creative workshops, art exhibitions, community-led discussions, and more as we continue to shape these spaces with the community in mind.
Upcoming events in November include a pop-up art and book sale, as well as an exhibition focused on Black history archives. Artwork by three Oxford-connected artists from the global majority is currently on display in the windows of Park End Street, viewable 24/7.
What are the long-term plans for these spaces?
To focus on creating community-driven hubs that truly reflect the needs and interests of the people in Oxford. We aim to host a variety of workshops, exhibitions, and events that encourage local artists and community members to share their creativity.
We believe in keeping an open line of communication with the community, gathering feedback, and adapting our programming based on what people want. These spaces will serve as venues for art whilst fostering relationships and collaborations among residents.
The goal is to make these spaces a valuable part of Oxford’s cultural scene and ensure they are accessible and welcoming to all.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about this exciting project
We’re exploring ways to support the grassroots music scene, much like we did in East Oxford for many years.
The city council’s redevelopment of East Oxford is still ongoing, but the new Fusion Arts building is progressing quickly. We’re excited to return to our East Oxford home in autumn 2025.
Keep up to date with everything going on at Fusion Arts by heading over to their website here. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter while you are there!