HOW TO MAKE A CREATIVE COMMUNITY SPACE WORK
BRINGING ARTISTS TOGETHER CAN BE COMMERCIALLY VIABLE
Research recognises the important role creative destination enterprises, such as Grays Wharf, play in connecting people, enabling a sharing of knowledge and stimulating the imagination. Here, Hannah and her colleague, creative producer Megan Beck, share their tips and advice for anyone considering setting up a creative co-working space.
HAVE A VISION Hannah’s long-held ambition was to create somewhere affordable, clean and safe for artists, designers and makers to work in a supported, social environment. ‘Having a vibrant cultural space where likeminded people can create, talk about their work, share ideas and perhaps collaborate on a project has been one of our key objectives,’ she says. ‘The great thing about being here, however, is that when people want to work, they can simply close their studio door and continue without interruption.’
REACH OUT The other main aim at Grays Wharf has been to promote access to quality art and design for everyone. ‘We’ve formed the Arts
Community Interest Company to increase engagement between those working here and the local community,’ says Megan. ‘My role involves establishing a programme of talks, exhibitions, courses, workshops and events to promote the business and support the individuals working here. We may approach someone, such as an art historian for instance, to run a course or give a talk, but the idea is that some of our practitioners host or teach, too.’
MAKE GOOD USE OF THE SPACE
At Grays Wharf, a gallery at the front along with a large central space and a courtyard offers a valuable opportunity. ‘We hire out the spaces, provided the reasons for doing so fit our overall vision,’ says Hannah. ‘This could be anything from end-of-year shows for university and college students, to private creative workshops, screenings and presentations. Events also provide a good opportunity to collaborate with local caterers or musicians.
BE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ‘We’re currently working on a new initiative with our local Age Concern group to provide a creative social group for older people one afternoon a week. Activities such as drawing and painting stimulate the brain, but the group could also help to tackle loneliness,’ says Megan.
THINK ABOUT FINANCE To fund many of the initiatives planned at Grays Wharf, it’s been necessary to secure funding, which Megan is largely responsible for. ‘We were able to get some financial assistance from an organisation in Cornwall called Cultivator (cultivator cornwall.org.uk) to buy tools and equipment for a range of courses we have planned,’ says Megan. ‘There are also some good online sources, such as Funding Circle (fundingcircle.com) which can offer support, and it’s worth talking to your local council, as it may have a small pot for community initiatives.’
KEEP EVERYONE INFORMED ‘We produce a newsletter for all the residents and we’re also establishing regular lunches where everyone can share ideas.’ For more information, go to grayswharf.co.uk