Wasps hosts grand opening of The Briggait
Wasps Artists’ Studios
“Wow! What a place. Do you feel good about this?” These were the opening words of an address by the Lord Provost of Glasgow as she formally launched The Briggait.
“Yes” roared the assembled 1,500 guests – artists, supporters, funders – who had gathered to celebrate the latest workspace project completed by WASPS, a charity which provides affordable studio space to support the careers of up to 750 visual artists working in Scotland today.
Andrew Dixon, the Chief Executive of Scotland’s new arts body Creative Scotland, congratulated WASPS Director David Cook on the project.
Cook, he said, was inspirational and had turned WASPS into one of the most successful arts organisations, not only in Scotland, but in Europe. Loud cheers from the audience endorsed that view.
The Briggait (right and below) is a beautiful Grade A listed building in Glasgow’s medieval quarter, the Merchant City. Built in 1873, The Briggait was the city’s fish market for over 100 years and has now been transformed into a vibrant new home for over 80 visual artists and cultural organisations.
The opening weekend of 24 and 25 July saw artists' open studios and a host of performances and celebratory events, including a family circus day.
The Briggait now houses 45 new studios for artists and 24 office
spaces for cultural organisations, and shop units for creative industry
companies. The redevelopment has also seen the transformation of the
1873 courtyard into a new city centre public space and cafe.
The Briggait will be open to the public on a daily basis from August 2010.
To find out more go to: www.waspsstudios.org.uk or http://www.thebriggait.org.uk
Related features:
Wasps' new studio development in Kirkcudbright
Wasps scoops £1m Scottish Investment Fund
Location: Scotland, Glasgow
Date posted: 27th July 2010
