Brixton Art Gallery was founded as an artists collective in June 1983 by a group of local artists, poets and the writer Linton Kwesi Johnson. It was registered as a charity organisation limited by guarantee with funding provided by the London Borough of Lambeth. The gallery was originally situated under the railway arch in Brixton Station Road but replaced with the newer premises which form part of the Brixton Recreation Centre.

The gallery was dissolved as a collective and the Articles of Association amended accordingly. The gallery is managed by a Board of Directors. At present the London Borough of Lambeth provide funding for rental of premises.

Brixton Art Gallery now provides a focal point for the development of new and challenging British multicultural art in Lambeth, throughout the London area, and beyond to the international arts community.