Applications Now Open: Free Art & Design Saturday Club for 13- 16-year-olds olds
Get creative, make friends and explore your future – all for free!
The team at Hotel Elephant are delighted to announce that our Art & Design Saturday Club will be returning for a second year, with an extended 20-week program. Applications are now open for this textiles-focused Art & Design Saturday Club at Hotel Elephant. If you’re 13–16 years old, this is your chance to dive into subjects you love and discover new skills such as textiles, print and up-cycled garment/accessory production in a supportive and creative environment – completely free.
Each Saturday (see dates below), expert tutors will guide you through exciting, hands-on projects, helping you develop new skills and build confidence while making friends with people who share your interests.
The programme is split into two parts. Part One focuses on building creative foundations and practical skills, with students exploring textile design, printmaking, hand and machine sewing, appliqué and embroidery. Using these techniques, participants will create a collaborative and/or individual project, such as a banner, quilt or textile wall hanging.
In Part Two, students will build on the skills developed in the first half of the programme to create a final piece for the National Saturday Club Summer Show at Somerset House. Working together as a group, participants will decide what to create, developing and producing an ambitious outcome that could take the form of a garment, costume, fashion piece, artwork or accessory.
You’ll also get chances to take part in a Masterclass with industry professionals and Hotel Elephant studio members. Plus, visit cultural spaces, and celebrate all your achievements at the end-of-year Summer show and graduation.
Whether you’re just starting out or already passionate about your subject, all abilities are welcome. The Club is a chilled-out, welcoming environment that opens pathways to future study and careers. It’s time to unlock your potential – and have fun!
Special thanks to our funders: Southwark Council’s Culture Together Grant and the Inspiring Elephant Community Fund, who have made our 2026/27 program possible.
Where?
The former St. John's Primary School,
Larcom Street, London, England, SE17 1NJ
Nearest tube: Elephant & Castle
When?
Saturdays, 10 am - 1 pm
3rd October 2026 - 27th March 2027.
Term time only (Saturday Club does not run during school holidays)
Apply now to join the Club – spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis!
About Hotel Elephant
Hotel Elephant is a not-for-profit workspace provider based in the Elephant & Castle, with over 15 years of experience delivering workspace, exhibitions, events, and educational spaces in our neighbourhood. Our aims are;
Provide and safeguard long-term space for the arts, culture and creative enterprise in London
Support artists and makers to establish and maintain a self-sufficient creative practice
Empower young people to develop their creative skills and inspire the next generation of creative professionals
About National Saturday Club
Across the UK, the National Saturday Club gives 13–16-year-olds the opportunity to study subjects they love for free at their local university, college or cultural institution.
The National Saturday Club programme is free, has no exams and offers 13–16-year-olds a unique opportunity to build their skills, develop their confidence, and discover pathways to further study and future careers.
Club members attend weekly Saturday classes led by expert tutors in their local community and take part in national events throughout the year, including visits to leading cultural institutions, Masterclasses with industry, a Summer Show exhibition of all Club members’ work at London’s prestigious Somerset House, and a Graduation Ceremony.
