Assignment 4- Exercise 2 Working and Making Spaces
Wasps (Workshop & Artists Studio Provision Scotland)
Gillian Morris Student No. 511388
As previously stated, it is my intention to secure one of the Wasps artists’ studios at Hanson Street, Dennistoun, Glasgow as soon as possible given my preference for creating larger-scale artwork through printmaking especially screen-printing with the use of weaving/hand-stitching. While I continue to develop my workspaces at home including the use of an old shipping container in the garden for smaller-scale creative processes I no longer feel that this is sufficient to sustain my continuing development as a textile artist. I have come to realise the creative need to regularly undertake larger-scale artwork which requires more space and to be part of an artist’s collective, to capitalise upon what is on offer to me from doing so which only Wasps can offer me in Scotland. Through years of involvement with Wasps and the use of other artists studio spaces at Hanson Street I recognise how much I would now prefer my own studio space there, to have a greater sense of permanence within a larger creative space, to be increasingly involved and engaged with other artists and with what is going on within the exhibition programmes, shows and events through being a Wasps tenant. Through extensive prior research I can acknowledge that few other workspace options exist within Scotland that can offer me so much in terms of getting known and remaining known as a textile artist with such supportive networking and collaborative opportunities. Currently Wasps continue to keep me informed and abreast of all relevant information through receipt of their monthly newsletters and updates by email including any news concerning their exhibitions.
Wasps Monthly Newsletter
Wasps Exhibitions
It has been a whirlwind of activity in terms of exhibitions since Government restrictions were eased and we’ve been permitted to host physical events once more. The autumn season’s Arts Programme will be announced next week so keep an eye out on Wasps’ social media channels and the website for news. To support fellow artists, we’d like to invite you to like and share news about these events.
There are some exciting exhibitions to conclude the summer season, featuring the talents of Alan Shipway & Paul Keir (Patriothall, Edinburgh), Anne Goldrick curated by Fraser Taylor (The Briggait, Glasgow), Christine Goodman (Perth Creative Exchange), Matilda Tumim & Chris Prendergast (Meadow Mill, Dundee) and Rowena Comrie & Sarah Kudirka (South Block, Glasgow).
Now Open
Rowena Comrie and Sarah Kudirka – ‘STOP.START.’
South Block, Glasgow
Extended until 21 Sep, Mon-Fri, 9-5
Wasps Kirkcudbright – ‘Ten Years On’
Kirkcudbright Galleries and gallery.wasps.scot
Until 24 Oct Mon-Sat, 10-5 and Sun 12-4, online until 31 Aug
Christine Goodman – ‘Concatenation’
Perth Creative Exchange
Until 29 Aug, Fri 9.30 – 1 & 2 – 4.30, Sat 2 – 4.30 or by appointment
Anne Goldrick, Curated by Fraser Taylor – ‘Echoes’
The Briggait, Glasgow
20 Aug – 26 Sep, Mon-Fri, 10-5
Alan Shipway and Paul Keir – ‘Unknown Quantity’
Patrtiothall Gallery, Edinburgh
25 Aug – 3 Sep, Saturday 28 Aug 10-4 and Sunday 29 Aug 12-4. Weekdays by appointment.
Matilda Tumim and Chris Prendergast – ‘Surreal Estate’
Meadow Mill Project Space, Dundee
26 Aug – 2 Sep, Daily 11.30 – 5.30
View All Exhibitions
Being a Wasps Tenant at Hanson Street Studios
With over 40 years’ worth of expertise, Wasps are the UK’s largest provider of affordable studio space for artists and creative industries.
Tenants of the Wasps community receive the following benefits:
• Affordable studio prices with no hidden costs – utilities and Wifi are all inclusive in artist studios
• Building security – all our buildings are either owned or on long term rentals
• 24/7 secure access all year round
• Part of our community of almost 1,000 artists and creatives in our 20 buildings across Scotland
• Exhibiting and selling opportunities through their Arts & Enterprise programme including:
⁃ Exhibitions – over 50% of artists exhibited in our gallery programmes are tenants
⁃ Makers Markets
⁃ South Block shop
⁃ Open Studios
⁃ Art Fairs
• Ability to join the Own Art scheme
• Support and expertise from Wasps’ staff team
• Promotion on our website with an artist profile
Hanson Street Studio Complex was a former tobacco factory, Wasps’ largest building was redeveloped in 2001 to become Scotland’s first purpose-built studio and events complex for up to 200 artists each year. The complex has excellent facilities including 77 studios ranging from 175 sq ft to 1000 sq ft, A 4000 sq ft Project Space, full accessibility throughout the building, free car parking, on site café, artists’ kitchen and showers and an open plan workspace.
In considering Wasps mission is to provide space and support activities in which creatives can prosper I feel that I will be best placed to site my creative practice within a Wasps artist studio complex in Glasgow. Wasps vision is to be an inspirational home for creative practice. Through activities and advocacy, Wasps commit to continue to deliver affordable spaces in which the broad artistic community can realise and share its talent and skills which is a priority for me, to engage, share and collaborate with other artists, to create to show and sell my work. Wasps believe that art can inspire, entertain, educate, and transform people’s lives. Artists and arts charities have the unique talent and ability to create great art that can do this. Yet many survive on low incomes and struggle to make ends meet. So, Wasps was set up to provide good quality, affordable studio space to enable artists and creative organisations to carry out their work. That said Wasps now have a 42-year track record of supporting the arts community and have grown to become one of the UK’s largest studio providers. Wasps currently house over 900 artists and 33 creative organisations at 20 sites across Scotland, from the Scottish Borders to the Shetland Islands. Given such resourcing capabilities including access to the right equipment, spaces, information and material suppliers which consider sustainability through their contact with colleges, universities, factories, mills and creative agencies I feel convinced that continuing to be part of Wasps here and now and going forward will aid my ongoing professional and creative development. https://www.waspsstudios.org.uk/about/
WeavePrint 