Published: 14 Jan 2022
Render of Studio exterior, image courtesy of SWG3
New grants will fund next phase of SWG3’s plans to transform the entire campus into an iconic new cultural destination in Scotland
SWG3, Scotland’s leading multi-disciplinary arts venue, has today announced that work has begun on the next phase of its ambitious masterplan: to reshape SWG3 and the surrounding areas into a world-class cultural destination.
The venue has been granted £1,531,180 through a combination of funders including Scottish Government - Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, Foundation Scotland, William Grant Foundation, The National Lottery through Creative Scotland and Scottish Enterprise which will specifically fund a purpose-built Yard Works Studio. This innovative new space will provide a home for hundreds of artists to create work in as well as youth and community organisations and grow SWG3’s widely respected arts programme.
Situated on the edge of Eastvale Place, the Yard Works Studio is the next step in the reimagining of the area into a striking street arts district and forms part of the ongoing improvements that SWG3 plan to carry out transforming it into a unique and distinct cultural quarter.
Andrew Fleming-Brown, Founder and Managing Director of SWG3, said: “SWG3 is absolutely delighted with this funding support. Yardworks has been a big part of our arts programme over the past few years and having the opportunity to develop a purpose-built facility to grow the programme will not just benefit the area culturally, but also have wider social and economic impact through the community.”
Paul Burns, Interim Deputy Director of Arts & Engagement at Creative Scotland said: “The Yard Works Studio is another significant milestone in the development of SWG3 and importantly to the regeneration of Glasgow’s riverside. Combining a creative hub, quality outdoor exhibitions and public murals in local neighbourhoods, the proposal will bring more art into the streets, improving how local people live, learn, work and play and attracting visitors to the city. The redevelopment demonstrates a clear understanding of the role that art, design and creativity can play in community development. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are pleased to be able to support SWG3’s ambitious vision for the space.”
Scottish Enterprise’s Director of Place Elaine Morrison said: “This project is a great example of how Scottish Enterprise is working with partners across the country to make places for communities, creating jobs and helping us become a net zero emissions economy. The SWG3 masterplan is really helping transform that part of Glasgow into a cultural hub, and more importantly using arts, creativity and nature to tackle poverty in neighbouring communities. As part of the regeneration of the Glasgow Riverside Innovation District, this is creative placemaking in action and we are really excited to be part of it.”
Chris Holloway, Head of Social Investment at Foundation Scotland, said: “The social investment team at Foundation Scotland were inspired by SWG3’s creative and innovative plans for a dedicated Yard Works Studio at their cultural hub in Glasgow. This new development phase is a real boost for the local community, providing an exciting new venue and creative space for groups and individuals to convene and collaborate. As Scotland’s community foundation, we’re delighted to offer our investment of £300,000 for Yardworks and look forward to seeing the development come to fruition in 2022.”
The total development cost of the Masterplan project is £7.1M (with £3.75M raised to date) which will come from a combination of private and public sector investments. The first phase which was major infrastructure works to improve public access and connectivity with funding from Clyde Mission will complete this month.
The Yard Works Studio will offer a purpose-built home for street arts, providing space for hundreds of artists to create work in, as well as using the art form to support social change through Yardworks’ extensive community work.
As well as a heated workshop complete with a 6m high wall for the creation of large-scale artworks, specialist equipment including extraction and ventilation and flexible working spaces for artists, youth and community organisations. With a glazed wall at the front, the activities in the building will animate the street, letting people travelling through Eastvale Place see inspiring artworks being created.
Significantly, the Yard Works Studio will act as a catalyst for transforming GRID (Glasgow Riverside Innovation District) into a striking graffiti and street arts district. Linking the communities of Partick, Yorkhill and Govan, the project will see gable ends illuminated with new, large-scale murals, creating an open-air gallery trail and attracting visitors to the area.
In addition to supporting creative industry career paths and nurturing skills in those furthest removed from the job market, the project will provide leadership for communities to revitalise their neighbourhoods through street arts.
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot.
Jenn Nimmo-Smith | jenn@electricshores.com | 07751532760
