About Us

Community Focus (CF) is an inclusive
arts centre based in the borough of
Barnet in North London. Founded 30
years ago by photographer Maria Bartha,
CF has developed a strong history of
participatory work, specialising in visual,
performing and digital arts for all
members of the community.

CF is a place where people of all ages,
abilities, faiths, ethnicities and
circumstances cross paths with a common
enthusiasm for the arts and a desire to
learn new skills in a friendly and
welcoming environment.

CF has worked consistently with those
members of the community dealing with
learning difficulties and physical, sensory,
mental or social challenges. CF
has also sought to encourage older
people, individuals seeking employment
or housing, people learning English,
families and young people at risk of
exclusion to integrate through accessing
the arts.

Alongside our diverse programme of
activities, we facilitate trips to exhibitions,
theatres, heritage sites and cultural events
across London as well as hosting regular
workshops, performances and
exhibitions in our own contemporary
studios.

Our organisation is driven by a firm
commitment to providing accessibility to
high quality teaching, innovative
outreach projects and community
collaboration, with a view to broadening
our audiences and maximising
opportunities for our users. CF actively
seeks ways to extend its reach into the
community, working with an unlimited
variety of different groups: from local
resident networks, schools and higher
education institutions, to theatre
companies and national charities.

The CF Mission

Everyone is an artist –Joseph Beuys

Community Focus is an inclusive arts centre that has almost 30 years experience within the field of community arts. We constantly work towards supporting the aspirations of all our members irrespective of age or ability and this remains at the heart of our practice.

We encourage people of all ages and all abilities within an environment that nurtures, stimulates, encourages and inspires. We are always open to new ideas, embracing collaboration, celebrating diversity, and championing every member of our community

Our mission is to proactively improve the quality of life of all our members – to address issues of social exclusion and to engage with innovative partners, cultivating possibilities within a supportive environment.

CF Aims

CF aims to ensure: everyone is an artist
CF aims to not let disadvantages stand in the way of creativity.
CF aims to be inclusive
CF aims to give people a voice in their communities
CF aims to have no creative limits
CF aims to value all art created by its members
CF aims to create opportunities and broaden people's horizons
CF aims to promote inclusion and overcome barriers
CF aims to encourage everyone to participate with us!