New Practice
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Glasgow Dance Spaces

 

Glasgow Dance Space Study

Local authority-wide feasibility study to explore the introduction of a dispersed hub of creative support for performance

 
 

We were commissioned by Glasgow Life, with support from Creative Scotland, to carry out a detailed options appraisal for the creation of new dedicated dance space in Glasgow.

A black and white image of two dancers rehearsing.

Glasgow has a rich, varied and growing performance arts scene. The city is home to the highest number of dance and movement artists in Scotland. However the city still lacks a central focus for dance.

Image credits: The Work Room - Katie Armstrong Residency - photographed by Eoin Carey.

 
 

There is a critical lack of suitable and affordable rehearsal space which is limiting the type and quality of work that can be produced in the city - too much work currently takes place in compromised mixed-use spaces.

Our study identified and assessed the relative merits of a number of options for the development of dedicated dance space. The report was delivered in two stages.

 
A group of people sat on the floor within an office space. In the background, a person performs at a microphone, wearing a mask and costume.

For Stage One we mapped and analysed Glasgow ’s existing provision of dance spaces in order to identify what is working well, what is lacking and what is missing.

We visited key venues around the city, undertook face-to-face interviews with dance organisations and independent artists, ran an online survey and carried out general desk-based research.

The findings allowed us to create a brief for the creation of dance space.

An illustrated map of Glasgow with existing spaces suitable for dance performance highlighted..
 
 
An empty theatre space looking towards the stage from the seats.
An internal space with tools and maintenance equipment on the left of the image and a communal kitchen space on the right.
Image credits: Aerial Edge, Tramway

Image credits: Aerial Edge, Tramway

 
 

Stage Two of the report was an options appraisal. First we applied the brief to five different scenario approaches, each ranging in scale and level of required investment.

We then concluded with three expanded studies. To explore the possible outcomes and impact of each approach, existing available properties were found and concept designs were created.

Thank you to all the practitioners, producers and organisations who contributed their time and knowledge.

An architectural illustration showing an exploded axonometric view of a proposed design for a space for dancers.
An architectural illustration showing an exploded view of a proposed design for a space for dancers.
An architectural illustration showing an exploded view of a proposed design for a space for dancers.
An architectural illustration showing an exploded axonometric view of a proposed design for a space for dancers.
 
 
A printed and bound copy of the Glasgow Dance Spaces report.
 
 

  • Client: Glasgow Life (with support from Creative Scotland)

  • Location: Glasgow, UK

  • Completion: 2020

  • Collaborators: Anita Clark (The Work Room) and Lichfields