Usurp is a not for profit art collective set up in 2003 to develop opportunities for communities to work with artists and activists from diverse backgrounds. Open to experimental ideas in all media, we support artists to collaborate in research and action, and actively encourage a wide range of audiences to participate in the creation of artworks that challenge conformity, prejudice and discrimination. In 2010, Usurp launched the only contemporary artist-led gallery and studios in the London Borough of Harrow.

Artistic Director
Poulomi Desai
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Neeta Mistry
Associate Artists and Support Group
Daniel Ackie, Joe Banks, Steve Beresford, Paul Chivers, Aniruddha Das, Katy Donovan, Sarah Fowler, Toby Gray, Reynir Hutber, Matt Jordan, Dilaksy Kandasamy, Natalie Leer, Nikki Lucas, Prakash Mistry, Linda Nagajeva, Aleesha Nandra, Anush Ravi, Aoife Twomey.
Web Development
Simon Underwood
Web sponsor
Denesh Bhabuta
Usurp Art Gallery & Studios
140 Vaughan Road
London HA1 4EB
T :+ 44 (0)208 426 6264
M: + 44 (0)7956 817038
usurp gallery and studios

We aim to:

  • Actively promote and encourage experimentation in work which challenges prejudice and discrimination.
  • To initiate and develop projects that encourage collaborations between arts practitioners and disadvantaged communities and groups whilst maintaining an international perspective in its work.
  • To work with existing organisations and individuals to provide facilities for artists to work individually and collaboratively across artforms and discourses.
  • To offer training and professional development of new skills and perspectives to artists, organisations and their constituency groups.
  • To foster and encourage audiences from all sections of the community to appreciate diverse arts practice
  • To provide increasing opportunities for participation in and appreciation of arts and cultural activities, with an emphasis on groups that are often ignored by mainstream cultural institutions.