Start a creative hub

A creative hub is somewhere people can meet to be creative: maybe to make things or perform, maybe to sell what they've made without having to pay for a shop lease, maybe just to meet like-minded folk.

There are lots of different models. The common thing is that they are all interesting, enjoyable and active places that draw people into the town centre; and where good things happen.

Made in Stirling

Made in Stirling is a creative hub for the local arts sector: a showcase, shop and venue in a former empty shop unit in the very heart of the town centre. It started life as a pop-up project, moving around six times before it found its permanent home at 44 King Street. Their reputation grew with each move, and they have now supported over 150 local artists, designers and makers.

The hub was set up by Creative Stirling, which supports grassroots creativity in Stirling through a range of initiatives, including Made in Stirling. They work closely with the artists and creatives in the collective to find new audiences for their work and accelerate sales, offering advice on everything from display to pricing and ways to diversify and promote new products. Not everyone needs help, but the aim is to support every artist and maker reach their full potential.

shop and showcase (image courtesy of Made in Stirling)

The ‘show & sell’ hub at 44 King Street stocks a beautiful, unique and fun range of ceramics and jewellery through to food products, photography and fine art shipped locally and worldwide. It is also more than a shop and a showcase for local artists: it hosts workshops for adults and children, events spaces for hire, exhibitions, workspaces and pods for creative start-ups.

Read more information about Creative Stirling on the Scotland’s Towns Partnership blog here. You can contact both Creative Stirling and Made In Stirling direct through this email address: enquiries@creativestirling.org.

An Lanntair, Stornoway

An Lanntair is a multi-arts venue in the heart of Stornoway. It was a big project, 40 years in the making, but has brought immense benefits to residents, visitors and of course the town centre.

An Lanntair at night ([image courtesy of John Maher)

Ayr Gaiety

Ayr Gaiety is a community-led social enterprise which has brought an old theatre back to life, now with a full programme as well as training, education and community activity.

studio theatre performance (image courtesy of The Gaiety)

Wasps studios

For over 40 years, Wasps Studios – a social enterprise working throughout Scotland – has been providing artists, makers & creators with inspiring spaces and places to work from. They operate and manage twenty character-filled buildings across the country, providing a canvas for creativity for over 900 practitioners and businesses. As well as the benefits for arts and culture, WASPS is also helping town centres around Scotland by repurposing otherwise redundant historic buildings, transforming the surrounding areas.

For more information about Wasps, please visit waspsstudios.org.uk, email info@waspsstudios.org.uk or phone 0141 553 5890.