PopUp Initiative

PopUp Initiative is a cultural industry offering an innovative response to empty business premises in Newcastle. It has been developed by Will Marshall and Will Strong, two recent Newcastle University fine art graduates whose aim is to enliven public space while providing opportunities for emerging artists in the North East.

Through university we noticed a rapidly expanding network of young artists in Newcastle, but few opportunities to exhibit work or to find suitable employment. The economic downturn has meant that it has become even harder for many new graduate artists to raise the finance to support their practice. We felt that a project that could provide working space and exhibition opportunities alongside building a strong creative support network could help to maintain the motivation of participating artists while they establish a career path.

We have been awarded grant money from Newcastle City Council, Arts Council England and Newcastle University to begin our first major venture, The NewBridge Project, which offers affordable studios and exhibition space to artists in Newcastle city centre. We have signed a lease on a 29,000 sq ft property which comprises a large empty office bock, NewBridge Studio, and a street level empty shop, now NewBridge Space, our permanent gallery and event space.

NewBridge Studio offers working space to around 50 artists, providing a supportive and communal atmosphere with an emphasis on local contribution. It presents vital networking opportunities and low cost studio space to artists which would otherwise be expensive. Both the provision of space and in-depth discussion of work are intended to develop the skills and creative practice of all those taking part. After a few months NewBridge Studios will be open to the public on Saturdays, allowing interaction between visitors and the artists. We aim to increase cultural awareness for those who may not normally take interest by offering a unique and honest insight into contemporary art.

NewBridge Space is our permanent public front, allowing artists to exhibit their work in expertly curated and well promoted and attended shows. This space will launch on 24th September and will be open to the public six days a week.

In the future we aim to push the boundaries of what an arts organisation with limited funding can achieve. Within a year we will become a fully self-sufficient enterprise, independent from public funding, and will continue to provide the best possible opportunities for emerging creative talent in Newcastle.