Making space for artists
TEM P OR A RY SPAC E S
Temporary Spaces East Street Arts runs a temporary space programme that allows creative people to use buildings that are currently not let or are waiting for redevelopment. The temporary spaces that we take on are vacant commercial buildings that we make available for creative projects such as temporary studios, exhibitions, workshops, performances and rehearsals. The spaces could be offices, industrial or retail units, former cafes or nightclubs.
East Street Arts receives financial donations from property partners for using temporary spaces. These donations are used in the following ways:
East Street Arts have built up a strong team with broad and thorough knowledge of temporary use best practice and we have passed on our expertise to other organisations across the country through partnership working. We believe bringing empty spaces back into use; •
Adds something unique, engaging and spontaneous to our high streets, industrial areas and office blocks
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Provides affordable workspace to support artists to develop new work, test ideas and further their career
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Encourages audiences to access the arts in new ways, outside of traditional and formal spaces
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Generates activity and contributes to regeneration or developments within the area,
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Provides opportunities for a wide range of creative people to make use of space often within their own locality
C over photo by Bruce Davis
Washi Tape Window, Drawing 1 - Walker Hill
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Pays the business rates liable on each property to the local authority concerned
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Provides financial support and development to artists and creative organisations through partnership working
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Facilitates the temporary spaces programme
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Supports the work of East Street Arts
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Assists with the costs associated with using temporary spaces such as repairs and utilities bills
Our first public exhibition took place in 1994 in two empty shop units underneath the railway arches in Leeds city centre and this has been an important part of our work ever since. We have a long track record of many successful projects – so far – occupying over 300 buildings, involving 2500 artists and 10,000 audience members. We are passionate about supporting artists to make work that is part of our everyday lives and impacts on the fabric of society.
Benefits
Creative Partners
Benefits for landlords:
The Temporary Spaces Programme has grown to a national scale and to help manage this East Street Arts develops partnerships with local creative organisations.
Savings are made on business rates by our charitable occupancy Reduces security and insurance costs Helps avoid vandalism associated with empty buildings Artists generate public interest and contribute to the development of the area Artists make use of local businesses Artists develop their practice and can eventually lease spaces Benefits for artists and creative people: Access to low cost spaces for a variety of creative uses Develops artistic practice Facilitates inspiration through working with other creatives Encourages professional development e.g. curating, managing, marketing and installation Spaces are usually available locally Develop engagement with audiences and participants
This enables artist engagement and audience development across the country, providing support at grassroots level and building local infrastructure, whilst keeping an East Street Arts ethos and developing a national network of temporary space practitioners. We develop partnerships in areas that are both difficult to manage geographically and where we encounter increased interest in the use of temporary spaces by local artists and creative organisations. Ideally we are then able to take on a cluster of temporary spaces to ensure some project longevity and cater for the evident need. East Street Arts supports partnerships financially and with professional development. We encourage growth of partnership groups to become sustainable, independent and established in the long term.
Space to try new ideas and experiment Provide a hub for creatives in the area
Contact
Benefits to public:
For more detailed information, rates, pricing, locations and how to apply visit: eaststreetarts.org.uk
Raises interest in local industry, history, culture and politics Experience artistic activities in local areas Brings public into new or no go areas Cheap workshops or learning sessions Informal engagement with artists Access to a wide variety of art Experience art in an easy to access, non formal space
Or get in touch with us directly: Ann Rutherford, Temporary Spaces Manager: ann@esamail.org.uk Lester Drake, Project Coordinator: Temporary Spaces: lester@esamail.org.uk Fran Bundey, Project Coordinator: Temporary Spaces: fran@esamail.org.uk
making space for artists registered charity 1077401 eaststreetarts.org.uk @eaststreetarts