Metal was founded in 2002 by Jude Kelly CBE to be a creative catalyst for change. We’ve been active in Liverpool since 2004, in Southend-on-Sea since 2007 and in Peterborough since 2012. In the last ten years, we’ve supported over 11,000 artists, hosted over 110,000 participants and welcomed over 8 million audience members.
As a catalyst, we’ve facilitated new organisations like The Old Water Works, a charity in Southend-on-Sea that offers artist studios and Estuary Festival, an interdisciplinary arts festival spanning Essex and Kent. We’ve been part of the founding journey for important initiatives such as The Other MA (TOMA), Southend Creative and Culture Network, Peterborough Pride, Peterborough Cultural Alliance and Liverpool Art Prize.
Over the years, Metal’s artist alumni have included Assemble, Beverley Bennett, Elsa James, Kate Marsh, Lucy + Jorge Orta, Scottee, Syd Moore, Steve Reich, Tim Burrows and many more.
