Ravensbourne University London to become new home of Accumulate – The Art School for the Homeless
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Ravensbourne University London is pleased to announce that from early 2026, it will become the new base for ‘Accumulate – The Art School for The Homeless’, a ground-breaking organisation which provides creative learning opportunities and life-changing experiences to those with experience of homelessness.
For more than a decade, Accumulate has earned a reputation across the nation for making a difference within peoples’ lives via art, photography, creative writing, fashion, film, and digital media. Working closely with hostels and housing organisations, it provides not only creative education but paid work experience, facilitator training and scholarships that enable participants to progress into further and higher education.
The connection between Ravensbourne and Accumulate is one that has lasted more than a decade, with the charity having launched back in 2014 when it was conceived by Marice Cumber during her time at the university. The programme has been led by Ravensbourne staff, its outreach team and student volunteers to offer workshops to attendees across London.
Jon quote
We’re delighted to be continuing Accumulate’s great work in giving access to creative and technical training to people who can develop their own talent to thrive. Ravensbourne University London is all about creating change for the greater good. We are hoping that we can go further by enrolling industry partners to support this programme and help bridge the gap between training and employment.”
Since 2017, over 35 Accumulate participants have gone on to study on Ravensbourne’s Access to Higher Education course via the Accumulate scholarship programme. These are just some examples of individuals’ outstanding progression journeys.
Ravensbourne is dedicated to widening participation, promoting diversity and engaging with learners from a wide range of backgrounds to build meaningful and sustainable careers within the industries we serve. Accumulate is an opportunity to continue this work on an even bigger scale, working with individuals with experiences of homelessness, building their confidence, creative talents, and professional opportunities through educational programmes.
Marice quote
Ravensbourne and Accumulate share the same values of inclusivity and creative education being a force for positive change, and so when looking for the organisation to take on Accumulate, it was clear that Ravensbourne would be the right fit. I am delighted that Ravensbourne will be the new home for Accumulate. It is where it started and where it belongs.”
Accumulate participants come from diverse and often challenging backgrounds – including homelessness linked to abusive relationships, foster care, prison experiences, mental health struggles and substance abuse. Through the programme, they gain confidence, belonging, self-esteem and the ambition to plan for a more positive future.
As Accumulate transitions to Ravensbourne, the university will explore opportunities to expand the programme into new creative, technology and business pathways, while strengthening links with industry partners.
Lucy quote
I’m really excited that Ravensbourne are taking on the Accumulate programme in the new year. Marice has built such an amazing initiative that has truly changed people’s lives through education, skills development and a wonderful creative community. I’ve had the privilege of seeing this first-hand through the successes of so many inspirational students, and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of the Accumulate programme.”
Ravensbourne University London is proud to be the new home of Accumulate and to continue empowering a truly diverse group of students to become the changemakers of tomorrow.
