An open day this Saturday will see the organisation offer the public the opportunity to peruse its new premises at High House Artists’ Studios in Purfleet, Essex and to meet artists in their studios, as well as visit the ‘Living Studio’, an ongoing performance artwork by Aaron Williamson. It is the first purpose-built artists’ studio of its kind in the county.
Located some 30 minutes by train from London, the building was designed by architects, HAT Projects, who also built the award-winning Jerwood Gallery in Hastings. Having first opened in the summer of this year, it comprises a total of 39 self-contained studios and four live/work units made up of seven large multiple-purpose spaces on the ground floor and 32 studio units on the two upper floors.
Acme’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Harvey, says that the need for artists’ studio provision in Essex was identified following a commission by Arts Council England, East in 2006 to undertake a demand study for studios at the 14-acre High House Production Park. Two years later, Acme embarked on another feasibility and more extensive demand study, which formed the blueprint for the studios.
“The study covered East London, Thurrock and more generally Essex and Kent. Again the response was positive,” says Harvey. “However, the only reliable test of demand is take-up. Since opening in July we have achieved over 65 per cent occupation and are confident we will be at least 90 per cent full by spring 2014.”
Building on its successful track record of offering low-cost yet high quality spaces for artists to work, Acme’s latest project demonstrates that exemplary, standalone affordable studio buildings are still just about possible, despite the onslaught of gentrification and the property developers that are hot on its heels. Says Harvey: “Since 2006 we have developed six major new-build affordable studio buildings in London in partnership with commercial and social housing developers. As a specialist charitable housing association we are unique in the affordable studios sector.”
Open Day takes place on Saturday 16 November, noon-4pm. More information at www.acme.org.uk/studios/highhouse
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