A shortage of affordable studios and rising rents is threatening artists in the capital.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is calling on boroughs to support the capital’s creative workforce.

Research released by City Hall has revealed while the number of workspaces for artists in the capital are “stabilising”, they are becoming more expensive.

The figures show that between 2014 and 2017 whilst at least 29 artist workspaces closed in London over 50 new ones were created.

In 2014, 56 per cent of workspaces were charging an average of over £11 per square foot but in 2017 this increased to 79 per cent.

Mr Khan said: “London is the world’s creative capital and the workspaces spread across our city are the engine room of this growing economy.

“It’s vital that there are affordable spaces for artists to flourish, and that’s why I’m working to protect existing sites and support the opening of new spaces.

“Our creative sector is one of the capital’s biggest strengths, and, now more than ever, we all must do what we can to support artists and help the next generation to thrive.”

The research has also shown that demand for space is incredibly high and that nearly 95 per cent of creative work spaces are occupied.

London’s creative sector contributes nearly £50 billion to the UK economy each year and accounts for one in six jobs in the capital but another worry is that Brexit could mean more people in so called creative professions relocate to cities such as Lisbon, Amsterdam and Berlin.

Earlier this year at a London Assembly, meeting politicians raised concerns about the possible impact Brexit on the creative industries.

At the time Justine Simons, deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, warned that global competition is a serious issue that Brexit has amplified.

Ms Simons said: “Given the uncertainties over Brexit it is essential that London retains its competitive edge; we need to invest in this creative edge.”

She said that 21 per cent of creative businesses say that if there’s a ‘no deal’ outcome with the EU and the UK they will consider moving their business abroad.

Ms Simons reiterated her thoughts today and asserted the need to provide for artists in the capital saying that we “cannot afford” for artists for be “priced out” of their local areas.

She added: “Culture is London’s DNA and around the world we are known as a great cultural capital.”