Ed Sheeran’s Cosmic Carpark: Music Star Swaps Stage for Canvas in London Art Debut
Ed Sheeran’s Cosmic Carpark is now open at the Heni Gallery, showcasing a vibrant collection of abstract works by the global music icon. This unexpected creative turn from the Suffolk-born star is pulling art and music lovers alike into the heart of Soho.
Launched on 11 July, the exhibition runs until 1 August, with every piece on show painted by Sheeran himself in an abandoned car park. His artworks—described as bold, free-spirited, and deeply personal—aren’t just for display.
At the end of the show, the paintings and prints will go up for sale, with half the proceeds going to the Ed Sheeran Foundation. The charity supports inclusive, high-quality music education for children across the UK.
“I started painting at the end of my Divide Tour in 2019 and it’s something that I’ve used as a creative outlet ever since.
When I was growing up, both of my parents worked in art, so I’ve naturally always been interested in it, and I always enjoyed studying art at school.
I was back and forth on tour last year, and I used a lot of my downtime in the UK to paint.
I’d run to a disused car park in Soho each morning, paint, then run home and I’d do that daily until I headed back out on tour again. I told my good friends Damien Hirst and Joe Hage about the paintings, and they encouraged me to put on my own thing.
So I decided I’d use it as a way of raising funds for my Ed Sheeran Foundation, which supports music education in the UK and helps fund grassroot music projects, schools and equipment, so all kids have access to music.
I want to thank Damien and Joe for everything they’ve done for me on this exhibition and I’m delighted to be putting it on.”
A familiar name in music charts, Sheeran has already dabbled in art. Back in 2020, one of his paintings was used as the cover art for his single Afterglow. But this is the first time fans and collectors have a chance to own a piece of his original artwork.
The collection—initially intended as personal gifts—found new purpose after encouragement from British artist Damien Hirst. The shift from private to public project adds a unique touch to this debut. It’s personal. It’s raw. And it’s for a cause close to his heart.
Paintings and limited edition prints will be available through the Heni website until 1 August. And yes, entry to the gallery is entirely free.
It’s a rare crossover—chart-topping success and car park brushstrokes. But Sheeran’s creative leap has struck a chord. Visitors are streaming in not just to see the art, but to experience a different side of the man known for The A Team, Lego House, and Sing.
Recently, during his homecoming shows in Ipswich, Sheeran reminded fans of his roots, saying he was “immensely proud” to be from the county.
Now, with Ed Sheeran’s Cosmic Carpark, the singer is blending beats with brushstrokes—and bringing it all back home.
