MTArt Agency Partners with One Nine Elms to Transform Two Floors of the Development into an Artist Space

MTArt Agency has partnered with One Nine Elms to create a new artist-led space within the landmark London development—transforming two full floors into a working, evolving hub that supports artists.

By Khaya Mnisi

All images courtesy of MTArt Agency

Founded in 2015 by Marine Tanguy, MTArt Agency is the world’s first talent agency dedicated to visual artists, known for building artists’ careers beyond the traditional gallery system—across public space, brand collaborations, and institutional partnerships.

This partnership with One Nine Elms Art Space reflects that broader ambition: not simply to exhibit art, but to embed artists within the fabric of the city itself.

As Tanguy explains, “we are big believers that cities need artists’ studios and creative spaces in their beating heart.”

Located in Nine Elms, One Nine Elms is a large-scale residential and mixed-use development that has become a defining part of the area’s ongoing transformation.

Through this collaboration, MTArt Agency and One Nine Elms Art Space are not only providing artists with studio space, but cultivating an environment for exchange—one that will host events, exhibitions, and conversations with brand partners and cultural figures shaping contemporary art discourse.

Speaking on why One Nine Elms was the right context for this project, Tanguy notes:

“Nine Elms is the perfect balance to the two. We support artists by providing them a safe and free space for their creativity all the while inviting the public to see the art of the artists who represent the pulse of London today. It’s a tribute to the city while acknowledging how difficult it is to find a studio space as an artist. At MTArt Agency, we are artist centric and wish for everyone to access and be inspired by art so this perfectly respond to our mission.”

Beyond physical space, the intention is to create conditions for long-term artistic development: “I am a big believer in gathering the most fascinating brains in one single place, as someone who constantly create collaborative partnerships, this is the perfect soil for it.”

“I am sure the many conversations and debates these artists will have will lead to many many exciting artworks, projects and ideas.”

Access, too, will form part of the project’s evolution: “We are currently working on a cultural program and ways for the public to access the space.”

At the centre of this initiative is David Aiu Servan Schreiber, an artist represented by MTArt Agency since its inception, whose curatorial and artistic direction is shaping the space into what Tanguy describes as “an artistic world of wonders.”

For Schreiber, the scale of the space and the freedom it allows are central to its significance: “I’m incredibly honoured to be part of the One Nine Elms project, both as an artist and in contributing to its curatorial direction. It’s rare to engage with a space at this scale in such a fluid and considered way, and that dynamic creates a particularly close relationship with it. The building has a strong presence, and the ambition behind the project opens up a dialogue between architecture and art that feels very alive. It also offers a natural canvas for curated events and moments of gathering, allowing the space to be experienced in a more immersive and evolving way. It’s been a real pleasure working alongside Marine on this, and I’m excited to see how it develops.”

Alongside Schreiber is painter and ceramic artist Rafaela de Ascanio, whose work is already present within the artist space, forming part of its visual environment.

Describing the experience of the space itself, de Ascanio adds: “Up the speedy elevator to the 56th floor, you arrive at the sky-high gallery, some days flooded in rays of sun, others floating in a misty cloud. The panorama of London landmarks is sensational, and viewing my paintings of curvaceous women and organic ceramics against the clean lines of the windows, to the architecture beyond, is a striking experience. The One Nine Elms team are a joy to work with, abounding with energy and enthusiasm—they conceived and enabled us to create this unique artistic collaboration.”

From the One Nine Elms team, Zhixiong Guan—Chairman of R&F ONE (UK), the real estate developer behind the One Nine Elms development offers a perspective from the project’s leadership.

Addressing the role of art within the development, Guan explains:

“Art and creative spaces can give a development a deeper cultural meaning, rather than simply creating a visual identity or marketing narrative.”

In the One Nine Elms project, we introduced a sequence of public viewing spaces, including the ground floor entrance, the first-floor waiting area, and the 56th floor as a public observation level. However, purely observational spaces are difficult to sustain if they rely only on scenery or novelty, and views alone are rarely enough to keep the public engaged over time. By integrating artists and creative activities into these spaces, we aim to create an evolving environment that encourages ongoing participation.

London already offers many outstanding museums and galleries with highly professional exhibition settings. What we are proposing is something different—a space closer to an artist’s studio, where visitors can experience the creative process, understand the thinking behind the work, and engage with pieces in a more personal way.

Through artist talks, workshops, creative salons, and informal gatherings, the space becomes an active platform rather than a static display. This allows the cultural atmosphere to develop organically, encouraging deeper engagement with both the space and the people within it, and making art part of the building’s everyday experience rather than an element of branding.”

Asked why two full floors were dedicated to artists rather than commercial or residential use, Guan responds:

“From a commercial perspective, allocating space to art may not maximise short-term returns. However, we believe high-quality developments benefit from spaces that generate long-term cultural value and identity.

In many projects, observation spaces require continuous investment but struggle to maintain engagement. By introducing artists and creative programming, the space develops its own rhythm, attracting residents, visitors, and the wider community. This creates a more meaningful experience and encourages repeat visits rather than one-time interest.

We also see potential for events such as brand activations, product launches, talks, exhibitions, workshops, and community discussions. These can support ongoing operations while cultivating a cultural atmosphere that enhances both perception and long-term value.”

On whether the model could extend into future developments, he adds:

“We see this approach as worth continuing where conditions allow. Each project is different, so the format would vary rather than be replicated.

However, the broader principle of integrating culture, creativity, and activation into developments is something we believe can create long-term value. We also hope it encourages other developers to explore similar approaches.

When a space generates engagement and shared experience, it becomes more meaningful for residents, visitors, and the wider community. If future projects allow, we would certainly explore similar ideas, adapted to each context.”