We are working with the owners of Devonshire Arcade in Penrith to use a shop as an arts-space.

The shop can be put to any creative use whatsoever ie from simply displaying in the windows, gallery, installation, temporary studio, workshop – in any art-form, visual, literature, video, craft…..
The two main issues to consider are i) nothing can be sold in the shop; ii) we have no resources to provide someone to staff the shop, so if your idea/proposal entails having the doors open then you will need to think how that can be supervised.

Beyond that, all things are possible. We are currently working on the premise that we will be using Unit 13/14 from 1 December 2009 to 1 March 2010. It may be that we carry on after that, we will see how things go. It is also the case that should the landlord receive an offer they can’t refuse for renting the property we will be turfed out before our time is up (although this may just mean moving to another unit).

We have no resources currently to spend on activities in the shop, however participants can apply to our Arts Partnership scheme for grant or guarantee support. We would in any case do our bets to help with lighting etc.

There is no rent to pay and Eden Arts is paying the business rates.

I hope that this helps to focus on what needs to be thought about. If you need further help in trying to bring an idea together or perhaps trying to find others to work with then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Download the devonshire-artists-toolkit1 – click on the words devonshire-artists-toolkit!