SSW awarded over £500,000 in funding towards major development project.

Capital development and building work will now go ahead despite recession

Following an extended period of intensive research and fund-raising, Scottish Sculpture Workshop (SSW) has reached the first funding target in their ambitious development plan for their site at Lumsden. With a budget in excess of £500,000 now in place, SSW is finally in a position to implement the first stage in their long awaited capital development plan, and after a due tender process have appointed Robertson Northern, of Robertson Construction Group, to undertake a programme of site refurbishment and construction works.

“Getting this project off the ground is a real sign of optimism in these financially straitened times", says SSW Director Hilary Nicoll. "While other arts projects in the north east are facing ongoing challenges, SSW hopes that this will provide a bit of inspiration for all, as well as a fantastic resource for artists and an asset for the local community”.

The works will take place at the SSW site in Lumsden, a former bakery that was developed into an international artists residency centre in 1979.

Key features of the first stage of development are:
•    Replacement and refurbishment of roofing throughout the site;
•    Installation of an eco-friendly, environmentally sustainable heating system;
•    A purpose built “Community Space”, for community participation and flexible learning
•    Total refurbishment of studio spaces and on-site accommodation

SSW will now continue fund-raising into Spring 2010, in order to reach the target budget for the secondary stage of the project, which will include the purchase of new equipment and resources. Alongside this SSW is currently working on a wide programme of workshops and activities, open to the public, as well as to schools and community groups, and available from September 2010.

Completion of the Capital Development programme will allow Scottish Sculpture Workshop to build further upon its international reputation for excellence in visual arts research and practice, as well as develop significant relationships with community groups and members. Jim Buckley, Chairman of SSW Board, says  "This is a very exciting development for SSW, which looks to guarantee our cultural position in Aberdeenshire and the north east" .

To facilitate the construction work, SSW will reduce its onsite artist programme from February 2010 – August 2010. However SSW has a programme of off-site events with various artists planned for this period – as well as this, the foundry and metal workshop will still be open for self-funded residencies.

Scottish Sculpture Workshop would like to gratefully thank:

Aberdeenshire Council   
Aberdeenshire Community Asset Fund       
Aberdeenshire LEADER Fund
Community Energy Scotland
Foyle Foundation
Garfield Weston Foundation            
Scottish Arts Council Lottery
The Robertson Trust           
The Gannochy Trust               
The Fraser Foundation           
Trusthouse Charitable Foundation

for all their help and financial assistance with the Capital Development Project.