An independent art studio in Kingston has been forced to close suddenly.

FusionARTS, a small independent Kingston charity, has been given surprise notice to quit by its landlords and is shutting its doors for good today (Wednesday, 30 September).

A FusionARTS spokesperson told Nub News: "After 22 years in Eden Street Kingston, we will be leaving the building and the doors will be locked on 30 September.

"32 Artists and Makers will lose their studios, with no offer of alternative space, or support for the creative industries.

"Yet another Kingston building to be left empty and boarded up."

Janie Harland, Founder of FusionARTS added: "FusionARTS, the first independent Arts Studios in Kingston upon Thames, is to close on wednesday after 22 years serving the artistic community in the borough.

"Our Landlords, British Land, gave us just 2 months notice after not being prepared to spend what it would take to make the building safe.

"Opened in 2004 by the actor Art Malik, housing Kingston University MA Arts course, and homing 100's of creatives over the years - FusionARTS has quietly, and with no funding, simply offered safe and affordable workspaces for creatives.

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"It has always been bewildering to us that the Council did not value, support and fund such a useful facility, as most other boroughs do. There are questions to be asked where arts funding actually does go.

"It is also a travesty that British Land did not offer alternative accommodation after we have been such longterm reliable tenants.

"As we no longer have premises, we have to close.

"It is an end of an era. But it is an era I can be proud of."

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