Redlees Studios, Isleworth
- © Simon Fell
Project description
Opened in summer 1995, Redlees Studios is a converted two-storey stable block situated in Redlees Park, Isleworth.
For many years, the stables building had been falling into a state of disrepair. The Council and its partners sought to find a low-cost, short-term use that could produce enough income to pay for the building to be upgraded and maintained. However, they soon realised that the building could be developed into arts and crafts studios on a longer-term basis.
Redlees Studios now offers space for up to 38 fine and applied artists.
Aims and objectives
- To provide affordable studio accommodation and facilities for Hounslow- based artists from a wide range of visual arts disciplines
- To run a programme of activities that is accessible to the whole community
- To create a dynamic visual arts community that will complement and enhance the current visual arts provision in the Borough of Hounslow
- To offer all local people the opportunity to experience and participate in the best possible visual arts practice
- To offer educational opportunities to local people through partnerships with schools, colleges and adult education
- In partnership with local employers, FE colleges and other educational institutions, to offer apprenticeships to local students. This especially applies to those in the council's equal opportunities target groups who wish to pursue a career in the arts.
- To actively encourage participation of the LBH Opportunities target groups
- To support artist development in the field of fine and applied arts.
Services offered
- Secure studios – rents inclusive of heat and light (with 24 hour access)
- Professional development
- Education and artist training opportunities
- Disabled access
- Bi-annual open studio events
- Glass and ceramic kilns
- Gallery area
- Access to IT equipment
The studios also offer children’s holiday arts and craft workshops for those aged 0-12 and summer university arts and crafts workshops for those aged 14-25 are also available. Professional artists are employed, from Redlees and externally, to deliver workshops.
Benefits of co-location
Partnership working allows sharing of knowledge and thereby raises the profile of the studio. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in activities and events held at Redlees Studios, for example the twice yearly open studio event.
Success factors
As the local council provision for artists, managed by JLIS (John Laing Intergrated Services), Redlees is the cultural flagship for the borough.
The whole building is geared towards self-sufficiency, using the skills of the residents to run community workshops, arts and craft classes and support a varied programme of exciting new opportunities for local people.
As this provision increases, the council will use other buildings within the borough for artists to practise a wider variety of fine and applied arts.
Business/operational model
The building, the surrounding land and the park in which the building is located are the property of the Borough of Hounslow and are managed by JLIS. JLIS manages the venue on behalf of the London Borough of Hounslow and rental income supports the running of the facility.
Financing and delivery/procurement
The development was undertaken in three phases:
Phase 1 – 1994
Funded via Section 106 contributions and a partnership between Hounslow’s Leisure Services and the Economic Development Unit of the London Borough of Hounslow.
Phase 2 – 1996/1997
Funded through contributions from Hounslow Leisure Services and the Arts Council of England which created two large open plan studios, another fine art studio, a technology suite and equipment and a dark room.
Phase 3 – 1997/1998
The development of further studios and a reception area.
In 1998, money from the London Arts Board funded a three-year professional development and community arts programme for resident and local artists.
Measurement and monitoring
Regular monitoring of artists' work, especially during open studios.
