Thank you again to everyone who has supported OHOS so far. Your voices have already made a difference in ensuring that our case is being heard.

We want to share a brief update following our recent meeting with Reading Borough Council.

While the Council acknowledged the value of our work, they were clear that they are not currently able to support visual arts provision, either in the short or long term. At the same time, they confirmed that access to space is a major issue across Reading, with many cultural organisations in need of suitable premises.

We therefore asked why, in this context, the Council has chosen to dispose of Brock Keep, one of the very few spaces still in its ownership, without exploring alternatives or considering its wider cultural and community value. No clear answer was given beyond the fact that decisions sit across different committees and that resources are limited. This highlights a wider gap between recognised need for cultural space and current decision-making.

Importantly, the future of Brock Keep has not yet been decided, and the process remains open. Social and community value will be considered alongside financial value. This means that what we do next really matters.

OHOS is based on Oxford Road, one of Reading’s most diverse but culturally underserved areas. Through studios, exhibitions, and partnerships, including with organisations such as the Engine Room, we provide accessible cultural activity that supports community connection, creativity, and wellbeing.

The potential loss of this space is not only about artists losing studios. It is about the loss of cultural infrastructure that contributes to health, wellbeing, and access to the arts for the wider community.

At present, there is no clear strategy for visual arts provision in Reading. This makes the decision around Brock Keep even more significant.

What we are doing now:

 - strengthening our case, including social and wellbeing impact
- developing a fundraising plan to demonstrate long-term viability
- continuing discussions with the Council and elected representatives
- expanding our campaign

How you can help:

-Share this petition with your networks
- Contact your local councillors and MPs and ask them to support OHOS
- Follow updates and help us raise visibility
- The process is not predetermined. There is still an opportunity to ensure that cultural and community value is properly recognised.

Once spaces like this are lost, they are rarely replaced.

Thank you for standing with us.

The OHOS team