The Production Park will feature a state-of-the-art set production workshop for the Royal Opera House and a new centre of excellence for the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills, where students from every corner of the UK will be able to train in backstage theatre and live music production. At the heart of the complex a restored group of Tudor farm buildings will form a contemporary visitor and conference centre offering experiences based on creativity and inspiration.
A feasibility study is now looking at the potential for creating studios with an emphasis on production, designed to accommodate painting, sculpture, print-making, fine art photography, installation, performance, multi-media, video and time-based work. How artists can complement and work with each other and other Production Park tenants, and engage with visitors to the park, is also being examined. The study is being carried out on behalf of Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation, in partnership with Arts Council England, East by Acme Studios, a London-based charity which provides affordable studio space, residencies and awards for non-commercial fine artists.
Stephen Spencer, Production Park director, explains, "The development of artists' studios on the Royal Opera House Production Park adds another layer to the cultural mix we're aiming to create. Opportunities to engage with other artists on the Park, the local community and the wide range of 'cultural tourists' who will be attracted to the Park, will offer artists unrivalled professional development and creative inspiration."
Artists can register an interest in taking a studio or comment on and influence the final outcome of the project itself. The closing date for comments is Friday 30 April.
(Jim Evans)
www.acme.org.uk/thurrock.php
