There are about 32 studio groups in Merseyside. It might seem a lot, but it’s about half of what was here twenty years ago. In Liverpool city centre, there’s just the set of artist studios left – Bluecoat.
Liverpool ONE, of all people, have noticed that. And in a bid to turn back time, are working with dot-art to turn former offices on Church Street into artist studios.
The new studios are managed by dot-art, and while they’re on a temporary lease, they offer affordable space to artists, without needing to leave L1. They are, also (and this is important), heated, secure and watertight, as well as offering 24 hour access to any renting artists.
Most studios in Merseyside offer 24 hour access, but very few can boast a combination of those basic comforts.
I know you’re probably reading this thinking I’m easily impressed, but these are brilliant studios. They’re spacious, bright, and offer a window out onto one of the busiest streets in the city centre.
Ok, so they don’t have the character and identity – or pre-existing community that longer-stating studios like The Royal Standard or Bridewell have, but they will in time.
Dot-art, the organisation in charge of these studios, has been a fixture in Liverpool City Centre for over a decade, and also host regular exhibitions supporting local artists at their gallery on Queen Avenue (L2 4TX).
Importantly, those exhibitions are focussed on selling the work of local artists to people who genuine care about where it came from.
In a similar vein, this new venture in collaboration with Liverpool ONE is ll about making the lives of artists easier and more affordable.
Lucy Byrne, Managing Director of dot-art, commented: “We are extremely proud to have launched our largest studio space to date in Liverpool ONE, offering affordable workspaces to the local artist community.
“As a social enterprise, dot-art supports visual artists and champions creativity as an integral part of daily life. Our work wouldn’t be possible without collaborating with property owners that share our core values and Liverpool ONE’s commitment to celebrating and supporting local artisans make them the ideal partner for us.”
If you’re interested in joining the new studio space, get in touch with dot-art via their website from www.dot-art.co.uk/artists-studios