From it's origins in Sycamore Street London EC1, Barbican Arts Group Trust has a thirty-nine year track record of studio provision and public benefit.

Barbican Arts Group was formed by artists to create studio and exhibiting space in the Barbican area. It received charitable status in 1984 in recognition of its community and educational work undertaken through exhibitions, public art projects, open studios and schools projects. Barbican Arts Group Trust moved east in 1989, with assistance from Greater London Arts and established Hertford Road Studios, and in 2008 added another studio block at Blackhorse Lane E17.

In 2005 The London Municipal Archives acquired BAGT’s Archive documenting it’s pioneering activities.