About
Since 2021, Outer Spaces has been matching artists with vacant commercial property on a scale that has not existed in Scotland before. In the past two years, we have supported more than 600 artists and creative people in more than 60 vacant commercial properties across 13 local authority areas. These properties also provide us with the space to programme curatorial projects, residencies and commissions often in collaboration with other arts organisations and partners.
Our work is radically inclusive – removing studio rental costs which prevent visual and performing artists, photographers and musicians, from practicing and progressing their careers. Our industry partnerships with colleges and universities are providing arts graduates with spaces to pursue their careers and develop new networks. We are testing new ways of engaging audiences with our partners and collaborators to make a longer lasting impact.
Outer Spaces is a charity collaborating with artists, arts organisations and property owners to activate the nation’s empty commercial spaces.
We support artists locked out of unaffordable spaces and oversubscribed opportunities. High living costs and precarious incomes are having a devastating impact on artists practice and livelihoods. These challenging times need bold, transformative ideas. We are always testing new kinds of support.
At Outer Spaces our network can access free meanwhile space and development opportunities. We build artists as leaders.
Outer Spaces | Henderson Row, Edinburgh
Support
We nurture creativity through opportunity. Our radically inclusive approach removes financial barriers and empowers artists to expand their practice.
Sustain
We recognise the importance of artists in a just society and value therole of community as part of artistic practice.
Accelerate
We create the conditions for artists to take the lead and give cultural networks the opportunity to thrive.
Staff
Shân Edwards: Director and CEO
Colin Farquhar: Head of Operations
Meg James: Spaces Manager
Svetlana Panova: Spaces Coordinator
Sarah-Manning Shaw: National Programme Director
Paul Thomson: Finance and Operations Director
Helen Deevy: Project Coordinator
Bronwen Nixon: Operations Coordinator
Trustees
Mike Benson
Jacqui Burke
Murray Steele
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