FACT is pleased to announce the launch of Studio/Lab Artist Memberships, granting access to a brand new space purposefully designed for artists, researchers, curators, and technologists to experiment and play. Memberships offer numerous benefits, including access to dynamic and adaptable workspaces, the use of a variety of tech and equipment, free admission to events hosted within Studio/Lab, and mentorship opportunities provided by the FACT team.
Studio/Lab embodies FACT’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering creativity in the North West; serving as a hub for local and regional artists to connect, collaborate, and experiment. Located on the building’s top floor, it is a co-working space for creatives whose practice is critically engaged and digitally focused. Equipped with mid-to-high-end equipment, including new-generation technology and entry-level immersive kits, as well as digital production tools, Studio/Lab can support artists across various digital practices.
Studio/Lab offers a variety of specialised spaces tailored to support the development of artistic practice, facilitate experimentation, and test new ideas. The Sound Studio, complete with microphones, a mixing desk, and sound deadening, provides an ideal environment for recording voiceovers, discussions, foley, or live streams. The Project Space is dedicated to hands-on work and can be used for soldering, 3D printing, and small-scale technical projects. Membership holders can relax in the Kitchen and Lounge, use flexible workspaces for focus time or meetings, as well as access a large Lab space for events and workshops. In the Digital Library, members will find an extensive collection of resources, including books on art, film, and creative technology, along with high-performance PCs equipped with specialised software such as Blender, Adobe Creative Suite, Unity, and Unreal 4 and 5. For those working with moving image, there is a Video Studio equipped with the tools needed for editing, colour grading, rendering, and exporting.
In addition to equipment and facilities, Studio/Lab offers a regular programme of events, with free tickets available to members. Events range from masterclasses led by invited artists, filmmakers, and designers, to social gatherings that bring together artists, curators, researchers, and technologists interested in digital art and culture. Workshops are shaped to support the development of technical skills, with focuses including sound recording techniques, software tools such as Blender, and filmmaking. Members can attend knowledge-sharing opportunities with other artists and creatives who have expertise in a wide range of practices, as well as community meetings and informal group critiques, providing a nurturing environment for artists to receive and exchange constructive feedback on their works-in-progress.
Studio/Lab Artist Memberships are available through three different options—Flexi, Full, and Pay As You Go. The Flexi membership provides access to Studio/Lab facilities on a part-time basis, complete with benefits such as the use of equipment and tools, the option to attend artist development sessions, invitations to exclusive events, and tea and coffee. The Full membership option offers members increased access to Studio/Lab facilities, alongside an array of premium benefits such as personalised consultations with the FACT team, discounted rates for venue hire, and the option to split membership costs and privileges with a fellow artist. Lastly, the Pay As You Go membership offers an alternative for those who wish to use the space for co-working on an ad-hoc basis, allowing for the use of Studio/Lab’s spaces without the commitment of a monthly or annual membership, ideal for visiting artists or those seeking greater flexibility.
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS & BENEFITS
FLEXI
£50/month or £500/year*
- 2 days of hot desk access with the use of equipment and tools in Studio/Lab
- Artist, technical or professional development sessions every week
- Invitations to our annual open weekend, and quarterly community meetings
- Free entry to public Studio/Lab talks and events
- Opportunity to apply to lead or take part in Artist Skills Workshops
- Secure locker, super fast WiFi, unlimited free tea and coffee
FULL
£120/month or £1000/year*
Includes all of the above plus:
- 5 days of hot desk access with the use of technical resources in Studio/Lab
- Ability to book 1-2-1 chats with the team at FACT
- Discounted rates for hiring FACT and Studio/Lab spaces for meetings or events
- Members also have the option to split their full membership with another artist
PAY AS YOU GO
£20/day
- Includes hot desk access for 1 day (7 hours) with super-fast Wi-Fi, free tea and coffee
- Option to use a high-spec Windows PC in the Digital Library
*when purchased as an up-front annual membership
Ellie Towers, Artist, said:
“As a Liverpool-based digital artist, Studio/Lab has become an invaluable resource to me and our creative community. It provides a supportive environment where creatives are empowered to explore. Being the city’s first accessible dedicated space for critically engaged artists to use digital facilities, Studio/Lab has inspired me to develop new ways of making, using exciting tech like 3D printers and high-powered computers to render and create films. I can’t wait to see how this collaborative atmosphere and access to tools will continue to elevate and enrich arts practices within the North West.”
Lesley Taker, Studio/Lab Manager, said:
“Launching the first iteration of Studio/Lab is a natural progression of the last five years of focusing on artist development. FACT’s commitment to supporting emerging digital practice saw a refreshed approach to artist residencies and working on projects longer-term, from which ideas for Studio/Lab grew. The new space and programme opens up another way to invite people into FACT to experiment, test out ideas, and connect with other digital artists. Created in conversation with artists, curators, galleries and studios across the region, we hope this space will act as a catalyst for new collaborations, and encourage digital artists to remain in the city to grow their practice, working with us to create the future of FACT. We’re extremely grateful to our funders who made this possible, and to the artists and collaborators who have helped us along the way.”
For more information, visit FACT’s website: fact.co.uk/studio-lab/artist-membership
Categories: 2024 | Arts | Digital | Liverpool | News | Participate
