Artists are the engine of cultural life.

Engine Room is a new pilot programme at Acme Propeller Factory providing exhibition and event space for artists, cultural practitioners and collectives in London.

Developed in response to the growing challenges artists face in accessing space to present work, Engine Room creates opportunities to test ideas, share practices and connect with audiences without curatorial restrictions.

Located within Acme Propeller Factory, Engine Room takes its name from the building's industrial heritage and the role artists play in driving cultural life forward.

The pilot programme provides access to exhibition and event space for artist-led activity, supporting experimentation, public presentation, learning and exchange.

It is equally open to Acme tenants and non-tenants, as well as student groups supported by educational institutions and non-profit arts and cultural organisations. Applicants may use the space to develop or present work and explore new ways of working with audiences and communities.

In line with its charitable remit, Acme is committed to making the space accessible to a diverse range of users, particularly those who may face financial or structural barriers to accessing high-quality cultural space in London, and will be taking a non-curatorial approach to the allocation of hire space.

What can happen here?

Engine Room supports a broad range of artist-led and cultural activity, including:

• Artist-led solo and group exhibitions
• Exhibitions by educational institutions
• Freelance curator-led exhibitions and projects
• Exhibitions organised by not-for-profit arts and cultural organisations
• Workshops, crit groups, symposia and courses

Proposals not considered are:

• Private functions, including parties and weddings

• Commercial hires such as fashion shows and shoots, filming, advertising or promotional videos

• Film, photography or commercial content production not related to the public outcome

• Events that involve amplified sound that carries beyond the closed door of the Engine Room and for significantly prolonged periods

• One day events that have not been included in the application proposal

• Activities that cannot be safely delivered within the space

• Proposals without adequate staffing, supervision or invigilation
• Activities that do not comply with Acme’s Health & Safety requirements

• Activities that have been deemed by Acme as being counter to our organisational values or present legal, safeguarding or reputational risks

Fair access to space

Acme does not assess applications on the basis of artistic quality, subject matter or curatorial preference.

Applications are assessed for eligibility, suitability for the space and the ability to be delivered safely and responsibly.

Where demand exceeds available dates, eligible applications are allocated through a random selection process.

Access information

Engine Room is committed to providing an accessible environment for participants and visitors within the current constraints of the structure of our building.

• Ground-floor location
• Step-free access
• Accessible application formats available on request
• Public transport links nearby

Programme

• 16-23 November 2026: Distributed Personhood. Artists include Alejandro Luna, Anna Brass, Bert McLean, Dominic Dispirito, Ian Dawson, John Powell-Jones, John Walter, Jordan Baseman, Michal Raz, Nick McArthur.

The rest of the programme to follow.