Arts summit honour for Slack Space (From Gazette)

Arts summit honour for Colchester's Slack Space

6:00pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Colchester By James Calnan

A GROUP which turns empty Colchester town centre shops into vibrant art spaces has been hired to run a national conference on its work.

Over three years, more than 45,000 people have visited formerly rundown units run by Slack Space to see gigs or artwork, and take part in workshops or other activities.

The group’s success has led the Arts Council to hand it a grant to run the conference on working in empty shops and other disused spaces. The event takes place at Firstsite art gallery in Colchester on Saturday, March 17. It comes a week after Slack Space celebrates its third anniversary.

Manager Abigail Cheverst said: “We are so proud of what Slack Space has achieved and the difference it has made. We love working with the community and hope to continue to do so for a long time.”

The event, looking at the success of Slack Space and other organisations in the east of England, is aimed at artists, community groups, landlords, developers and anyone interested.

It will include a case study on Slack Space, which moved into its First home, the former Rosebys store, in Long Wyre Street, in 2009 as the recession hit. The group has moved out of the former Keddies store, in Queen Street, which will be demolished to make way for a hotel.

Regular events are currently held in Victoria Place, off Eld Lane, occupied by the Co-op until 2009.

The day is also supported by Colchester Council and Firstsite. Nick Barlow, councillor for economic development, said Slack Space did a great job with some of the few empty buildings in town.

He said: “We are pleased to support organisations like Slack Space to help make the most of any spaces like empty shops that can be used creatively. It benefits the community and contributes to a diverse and vibrant town centre.”

To book a place, or find out more, e-mail colchesterslackers@googlemail.com