Abingdon Studios 1.33

Blackpool is an incredibly exciting and inspirational place for artists to live and work. It is like nowhere else.
The purpose of Abingdon Studios is to develop and retain talent in Blackpool, enhance the studio space and visual arts offer and increase visibility of Blackpool as a site for the production of high quality art on a regional and national level.
It will help change perceptions of the town and offer valuable space and time for highly promising emerging and established artists to flourish.

Who is involved?

Abingdon Studios has been initiated following research showing a real desire for additional artists studio space in Blackpool. The development is recognised and supported by Grundy Art Gallery NPO, Blackpool Council’ Arts Service, Blackpool Council’ Economic Development Division and LeftCoast- Blackpool’s Creative People & Places Programme funded by Arts Council England.

What are our aspirations?

• To build on the existing arts infrastructure and ecology within Blackpool, to increase the town’s cultural dynamism.
• To encourage more artists to stay and or relocate to Blackpool to develop inspirational work/s. To position Blackpool as a site of quality-led artistic production.
• To strengthen Blackpool’s contemporary arts offer and reputation both regionally and nationally.
• To create opportunities for artists to develop and exhibit new work through residencies and exhibition opportunities.
• Engage the residential and business communities of Blackpool with a high quality contemporary arts offer.