Behind the den?

I'm Penny Embden, co-founder of Artburst, an award-winning children's arts organisation based in London.

For over 20 years, I've been running creative workshops in schools, theatres, children's centres and inspiring venues such as the Young V&A.

Having studied Art Psychotherapy at Goldsmiths, I've seen first-hand just how powerful creativity can be, especially for children. Art gives children the freedom to express themselves, build confidence, explore ideas and, most importantly, have fun!

I've also seen the difference creativity has made in my own children's lives. When my daughter was struggling with school, one of the things that helped her regain her confidence was planning a creative activity to take into breakfast club each morning. She still has her own special art box, filled with materials and ideas, which gives her something to look forward to and helps make those tricky mornings a little easier, she still uses her art box today!

Since moving away from London, I've struggled to find the kind of inspiring, hands-on creative spaces that I was used to. I wanted somewhere children could create, experiment freely and make a wonderful mess.

So, with my daughter as my little art helper, I decided to create one myself.

And that's how The Art Den was born!

A welcoming, playful and inspiring space where children can escape the everyday, let their imaginations run wild, try new things, get messy and discover the sheer joy of making and creating.