GROUPWORK is a new initiative that aims to broaden the conversations and lines of enquiry within TACO!, our gallery and our public venue at Cygnet Square.

For a dedicated period of time each year we are offering the gallery space, along with access to refreshments and equipment, to support the work and activities of autonomous and self-organised community or artist groups.

Groups are invited to submit proposals to use TACO!’s gallery space between February and May 2026.

Further rounds of GROUPWORK will be planned at other points throughout the calendar year.


What can the gallery be used for?

We’re seeking proposals for the use of our gallery for community or cultural group work where there is a need to convene and come together for the ambitions of the group and the development of its core work.

We are interested in hearing from groups who would like to use the space for organising, testing, planning, talking, exchanging, meeting, thinking, reflecting, rehearsing, or learning.

This might be a local choir rehearsal, a resident group looking to organise, a LGBTQ+ group looking for a safe space to meet, a group with a shared creative interest, or a group campaigning for a specific social justice issue.

We are interested in hosting group work that is social, communal, educational, reflective or cultural in its focus.   Therefore, we are unlikely to accept proposals which are primarily artistic or curatorial (such as exhibitions) or for public presentations of work (such as live performance events).

We will also not accept proposals that are:

• Offensive, have derogatory or discriminatory content or intention, including anything that may be considered racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, classist, ableist or xenophobic.
• Commercial or seeking to advance a business proposition or brand.
• Religious meetings or religious work
• Meetings and activities for political parties, local or national (*however, activism and social justice work proposals will be considered).
• Social celebrations such as children's or adults birthday parties, or weddings.
• Anti-social, intimidating or are may not be respectful of other users and visitors of TACO!

If you are unsure whether your proposal fits, please get in touch.



When can the gallery be used?

We are currently seeking proposals for group work taking place between 1st February - 1st May 2026.


Group activities can take place during TACO!’s opening hours only, and we are unable to support evening access at present. TACO! is nominally open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm, but hours may vary seasonally.  We’ll make dates and times clearer when processing proposals.

What resources are you offering?

Groups will receive free use of the gallery space, along with access to the following:

• A ceiling-mounted, long-throw projector
• A PA with sub speakers
• A 16 channel mixer
• Microphones, Digital Interfaces, DI boxes, and a range of AV cables
• Wifi
• Tables, benches, stools, beanbags
• Access to disabled toilets
• A tea and coffee urn

While we are able to offer a helping hand on occasion our capacity is limited as we will also be supporting a public during opening hours.  

Groups should be independent and have some basic knowledge of the equipment they are using. Groups will receive a simple induction to the gallery space and there will be text based instructions for use of equipment.

GROUPWORK does not include the offer of financial support for your activity in the gallery at this current time.


How do we make a proposal?

Please send your proposal to us by filling in this online form. It will ask you specific questions that will help us understand your proposal and decide if we can support it.

Things you might consider before applying include:

• When would you like to use the space? (e.g. specific dates, times and duration)
• How often would you like to use the space? (e.g. one-off, once a month, three days over three weeks)
• How many people are likely to take part in your group work?
• What is it you want to do in your time together?
• What kinds of activities take place in your group work, and what are your group’s aims?
• What equipment or resources might you need to do your work together?

We are seeking proposals before the deadline of Jan 31st

We will accept proposals throughout the 3-month duration of GROUP WORK. However, we encourage you to apply sooner rather than later, as space may be limited.

Please note that where space is limited, we will have a preference to support groups that are local to TACO! ,  Thamesmead and Abbey Wood.

If we are able to support you proposal, we will ask you to sign a social contract with us for using the space that outlines an agreement for how you will use the space,  and how you will treat and respect others within it.  


If you have questions or queries about GROUPWORK then get in touch at info@taco.org.uk.