Stowmarket studio space calls for free artistic takeover at Old Fox Yard

A former charity shop is being transformed into a creative space for ‘struggling’ artists as part of a six-month takeover.

The team behind the Old Fox Yard in Stowmarket are searching for local artists to create and host exhibitions, performances and workshops in the former Cancer Research UK shop in Ipswich Street.

Sam Bell, community organiser at Fox Yard Studio, is excited to see the artists get creative from within the town centre property.

She said: “We’re very excited to open up the space to an artist or maker and see what wonderful artworks and events they come up with.

“It’ll be lovely to see some creative activities happening on the high street.

“It’ll be a great opportunity for someone to have the use of space for free while cultivating a new creative project and sharing it with the community.

“If you are passionate about what you do and would like the chance to explore your idea further and bring it to fruition as well as engaging with the community - apply now.”

The premises consist of an upstairs studio and a public facing space downstairs where artwork could be displayed.

A pot of £500 will be shared by the artists to create their work and in return some events will need to be organised and hosted as part of the residency programme.

The selected artists will be able to use the space for six months to get creative and produce new ideas which will appeal to the Stowmarket community such as a performance, an exhibition opening, open studio days, talks or workshops.

The deadline for applications is 6pm on Sunday, April 16 and you can click here to apply.

This six-month residency will take place from Monday, May 1 to Wednesday, November 1.

This has been made possible through a collaboration between Fox Yard Studio, Modece Architects, Hypha Studios and Barbegh and Mid Suffolk District Council.

The free studio and exhibition spaces is a community driven project with an emphasis on giving this opportunity to artists who are ‘struggling’.

In a blog post on the Old Fox Yard’s website, it said: “We will prioritise those that cannot normally afford exhibition space, and believe that this opportunity might help them reach the next stage of their career.

“We are committed to supporting creatives and communities most in need and will prioritise creatives who declare they are struggling – whether financially, mentally or physically.”