More funding available to help the development of creative spaces

11 October 2015

A further £100,000 is being made available to support the creation of new affordable spaces for people working in the creative industries, Aberdeen City Council has announced today (Mon 12 Oct).

Following a successful pilot earlier this year (Jan 2015), which has led to a new studio space being created in Aberdeen, a new round of Creative Spaces Development Funding is now open for submissions.

The Anatomy Rooms, which received £55,000 from the pilot scheme was launched last week (Mon 05 Oct), will provide affordable studio space for artists in the old Anatomy building behind Marischal College, in the centre of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen City Council has made the funding available to meet the costs associated with the design and refurbishment of studios, rehearsal and production spaces, co-working space, new equipment, training, and professional development needs of creative practitioners in Aberdeen.

The creation of suitable working spaces was identified as a key factor for the sustainability and economic growth of Aberdeen's creative sector in the recently adopted City Centre Masterplan as well as Robert Gordon University's 'Creating a New North' report.

Aberdeen City Council's Convener of Education and Children's Services Committee Councillor Angela Taylor said: "By providing a development fund the Council is helping to support the creation of new studio, rehearsal and production space, supporting employment in creative industries, increasing graduate retention, provide greater access to cultural activity, and enhance the city's support of existing and future cultural initiatives.

"The launch of The Anatomy Rooms is proof that by providing the right support and funding we can help to keep the wealth of creative talent in Aberdeen. The Creative Space Development Fund is just one of many initiatives taking place across the city to ensure that talent is developed, creating a city thriving on innovation and creativity which we can all be proud."

Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded from Vibrant Aberdeen - Aberdeen's Cultural Strategy or by request via email to vibrantaberdeen@aberdeencity.gov.uk alternatively, telephone (01224) 522341.

The closing date for submissions is Monday 30 November 2015.

In addition to the funding a programme of support, training and events will be on offer, facilitated by WASPS Studios, the country's leading artist's studio provider. WASPS will share their experience and knowledge to emerging studio and production space operators as well as conducting research to inform the future direction of support and investment in spaces for creative industries in Aberdeen.

The talks and workshops will be held at Seventeen, the Creative Hub on Belmont Street with the first event being held at 6pm on Thursday 15 October. It will provide more information on the fund as well as advise on capital fundraising and will be an opportunity to network with other practitioners and groups interested in developing creative spaces.