Camden artists take centre stage at King’s Cross in new public art partnership

A new partnership between Camden Council’s Culture team and King’s Cross brings the work of 35 Camden artists to one of London’s most vibrant public spaces this August.

Artworks by members of Camden’s creative community will take over the art benches across King’s Cross from 10 to 30 August 2026, as part of King’s Cross’ Escape in London campaign.

The outdoor exhibition, My Escape, features one artwork from each of 35 artists from the Camden Artist Network, inviting visitors to consider what escape means to them – whether that’s finding calm in nature, getting lost in the city, connecting with others or simply taking a moment to pause and look at the world differently.

The artworks will be displayed across the King’s Cross estate, including Granary Square and King’s Boulevard, forming part of one of London’s largest outdoor gallery spaces. Together, the works showcase the diverse perspectives, styles and creative practices of Camden’s artists.

The Camden Artist Network was established by Camden Council’s Culture team, Love Camden, in 2023 to connect and support artists, creatives and culture professionals across the borough. It has since grown to more than 450 members, with free opportunities for artists to network, share ideas and access commissions, exhibitions, funding and collaborations

The My Escape exhibition demonstrates the breadth and ambition of Camden’s creative community, with artists responding to the theme in highly personal ways. From paintings inspired by Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill to photography capturing overlooked corners of London, the works explore the different ways people find moments of freedom, inspiration and stillness in the capital.

For many of the artists, the connection to Camden and King’s Cross is also central to their work. One artwork was created using weeds collected along the Camden to King’s Cross section of Regent’s Canal, while another explores the historic Gasworks and Regent’s Canal through watercolour, embroidery and appliqué.

The exhibition also reflects on the idea that escape doesn’t always mean leaving London. As artist Denisa Zajacova explores, escape can be found in the creative freedom of the city’s transitional spaces, while artist Tessa Gaynn describes finding a sense of inner calm among the activity of Granary Square itself.

By bringing the work of Camden artists into a busy public setting, the partnership creates new opportunities for artists to reach audiences beyond traditional gallery spaces, while giving visitors the chance to encounter creativity as part of their everyday journey through King’s Cross.

My Escape runs from 10 to 30 August 2026 across Granary Square and King’s Boulevard, King’s Cross, London N1C. The exhibition is free to visit.

The Camden Artist Network is free to join for anyone who lives or works in Camden. Find out more at lovecamden.org/camden-artist-network.

Photo credits: Alex Sturrock