Artists at APEC studios in Hove are calling for signatures to a campaign to protect both their own workspace and others around the city. APEC’s site is threatened by redevelopment, and whilst an initial plan that would have seen the studio building demolished has been withdrawn – thanks in part to an earlier campaign – developers are looking to put forward a new planning application to Brighton & Hove City Council.
APEC artist Christopher Stevens, who is leading the campaign, said: “Land in the city is at a premium and there is only limited availability of former industrial spaces, plus developers seek maximum profit margins – it’s not easy for artists to find spaces. In other cities, organisations such as ACME work with local authorities and developers to include artists’ studios in redevelopments. This supports artists and makers and offers real advantages for local economies and communities. We’d like to see this kind of holistic approach in Brighton and Hove.”
The petition calls for urban redevelopments in the city to provide adequate allocation of long-term, genuinely affordable studio space, and that artists and makers workspaces are not sacrificed to meet developers’ needs. It asks that artists and makers displaced by developments should be provided with appropriate space to continue working, and that the city council make it clear to developers their responsibilities to comply with the requirements detailed in the Local Development Framework.
“Artists and makers play a vital part in shaping our city’s personality and can really add value to the economy,” said Stevens. “Creative producers make an invaluable contribution to what makes Brighton a successful city.”
The campaign needs to gain 1250+ signatures before 21 December in order that the petition can be debated at a full council meeting.
Sign the petition here. For more about APEC studios visit www.facebook.com/apecstudios
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