North-east artists are being offered a first look at a new arts venue in Aberdeen, based in the former medical wing at Marischal College.
An open day was held yesterday at The Anatomy Rooms in Queen Street with artists interested in applying for studio space allowed to visit the facility before it officially opens.
Another session follows today from 10am to 4pm.
Aberdeen charity All in Ideas is managing the independent venue and is committed to giving emerging artists a helping hand in their career by offering affordable studio and workshop space, where artists can work, collaborate and receive mentoring.
Director of All in Ideas Jim Ewen is a strong supporter of the north-east cultural scene.
Shifting from being joiner to a degree in fine art and sculpture, Mr Ewen has had his work exhibited in numerous exhibitions, worked with musicians and artists and is a former exhibitions officer for Aberdeen Museums and Galleries.
He said the response since starting the project has been “incredible” and the arts scene in Aberdeen was improving.
“There are studio spaces in the city but they are a very different type of space,” he said.
“They are very much a private, closed door studio space whereas this has more of an art centre, open feel.”
Mr Ewen said he wanted to create an area “that has a vibrancy about it” and attempt to orchestrate an atmosphere which was similar to that in an art school.
The centre, in the University of Aberdeen’s former anatomy wing, contains a mixture of private, shared and open planned workspaces as well as offices and a workshop.
It can cater for up to 22 artists.
The charity chief is optimistic that projects such as The Anatomy Rooms will reverse “the creative drain” away from the region and help nurture an environment which can contribute to the local economy.
The Anatomy Rooms was given a £55,000 grant from Aberdeen City Council’s Creative Spaces project earlier this year and will open in 2016.