WASPS Artists’ Studios, Alexandra Parade, Glasgow
Situated in Alexandra Parade, Glasgow, a former cigarette factory has been converted into the largest artists’ studio and residential complex in Scotland.
WASPS is one of the UK 's leading studio providers. It provides a network of 16 studio buildings in locations across Scotland from the Scottish Borders to the Shetland Isles. As a charity it provides affordable studio space to support the careers of over 500 artists working in Scotland today.
- low-cost studios supporting 200 leading and emerging visual artists and makers including the internationally successful Christine Borland and Ross Sinclair.
- residential accommodation for international visiting artists and curators
- a 4,000 square foot exhibition/events space
- purpose-built ceramics, stained glass and sculpture studios
- studios for international exchange / short term hire / project work
- IT facilities
- A community cafe
The project fulfils WASPS aspiration to produce a “flagship” project of international standing that provides quality accommodation for artists in a dynamic landmark building. It is also a key development for the visual arts infrastructure of Glasgow and Scotland.
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WASPS had leased the Alexandra Parade building since 1988 for artists’ workspaces, and then acquired the building in September 1997, with the assistance of Scottish Arts Council Lottery funding.
As a key resource for the visual arts the Scottish Arts Council has supported the development of the resource with lottery funding. |
In September 1999 the Scottish Arts Council Capital Committee awarded a grant of £1,585,000 which constituted 72% of the total £2,210,480 project cost. The project was also supported by Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, charitable trust grants and private bank finance.
The development of this resource for visual artists has created:
- A secure long term facility supporting more than 200 artists each year.
- Low cost, high quality working spaces in a professional, safe and creatively conducive environment.
- A base for interaction with the public in Glasgow’s underprovided East End.
- A model studio development of national strategic importance.
- A flagship building for WASPS’ national network of artists’ studios.
The building was designed by architects Elder and Cannon.
| For further information about WASPS at Alexandra Parade and WASPS Studios provision across Scotland, visit the WASPS website. | |