"It all started in technician cupboards."

Fast forward to today and we now have seven specialist arts shops across UAL colleges, designed to support the unique needs of each course from Fine Art to Fashion. Yes – they're right where you need them, when you need them, but there's a lot more to these shops than just convenience.

Here's why shopping at your local UAL arts shop makes a difference: 

They're run by artists, for artists

Each arts shop is staffed by people from creative backgrounds, all who genuinely understand your specific arts needs. It's like having a mini studio support team every time you pop in, meaning that whatever you work on, you can rely on the team to give expert recommendations and always be there to lend a helping hand. 

With stock tailored to support your course

Over the years, the arts shops have worked closely with course leaders – and the technicians students used to get their supplies from in the very beginning – to ensure their stock reflects what you actually need.

Each shop has a unique, handpicked selection of high-quality materials and tools to suit the specialist courses on campus, so you're sure to find what you need here. 

That doesn't sacrifice sustainability

The UAL arts shop stores are actively pushing for a greener future. How? 

• By encouraging suppliers to reduce plastic packaging and increase the use of recycled and recyclable materials. 
• Switching to more sustainable product options wherever possible.
• Stopping the sale of plastic carrier bags completely. 

So if you care about your impact as a maker, you're in the right place. 

Made for the UAL community

When you shop at a UAL arts shop, you're supporting a community that's deeply connected to your student experience. Not subsidised by the university and not-for-profit, the money made from every item you buy goes back into running the shop and paying the expert creatives behind the counter, to make sure you can keep accessing these tailor-made spaces that serve UAL students.

The arts shop stores have come a long way since they first opened their doors. They're thoughtfully stocked, community-run, and entire purpose centres around helping you create. 

So next time you're stocking up for a project, why not shop where you can help keep the creative community at UAL thriving?

See what we have in stock on our Instagram @ual_artsshops