This is a brilliant scheme that provides a “win-win” situation for both Landlords and Artists, as well as being a great way to introduce life back into some of our bleak and often deserted high streets.
Firstly from a Landlords perspective it enables them to bring what would otherwise be a dead unit back into use. The premises will benefit from being occupied thereby mitigating repairing liabilities. In areas of particularly high vacancy rates it distinguishes their property from other vacant units increasing visibility through stimulating window displays and encouraging potential occupiers into the property. Furthermore, if managed through a registered Charity the Landlord is able to alleviate their business rates liability.
From the artist’s point of view, these properties provide a great opportunity to show and promote their work to a wider audience, without the usual and often excessive costs and constraints associated with commercial art galleries. These schemes also allow artists to come together, so stimulating ideas to create exciting and innovative collections of work.
Finally, anything that helps to improve and promote the local high street environment should definitely be encouraged. Hopefully blogs like this will spread the word and increase awareness of such projects. The concept would no doubt benefit from the support of organisations such as the Association of Town Centre Managers who actively work with both private and public sector stakeholders are well placed to promote this initiative.
So, given all the potential benefits of this scheme it is my hope that that more property owners will set aside any pre-conceived misgivings and look to support this scheme.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-13842044
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