Six firms and artists focusing on creative technology projects that aim to promote post-pandemic renewal and recovery have received funding under a special fund set up by Bath Spa University’s enterprise and innovation hub The Studio.
They are the first to be awarded grants of up to £5,000 under The Studio Recovery Fund, which has been set up to help freelancers, micro-businesses and third sector organisations in Bath and North East Somerset.
More than 30 bids were received. The successful applicants are visual artists Alyson Minkley and Dave Webb, audio-visual artist Larkhall, pictured right, tech/art community interest company Little Lost Robot, pictured below, theatre group Kilter, dance artist, film-maker Silvia Carderelli-Gronau and sound artist Ximena Alarcon.
Bath Spa University Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries director Kate Pullinger said: “The Studio is the first space in Bath for academics, graduates and businesses across the South West to develop their thinking and progress projects in creativity technology, so we’re thrilled to be able to provide funding at such a challenging time for the industry.
“As well as an environment to work in, the venue will be a place to share learnings through regular workshops, events and activities and will also be open to the wider community once open again after lockdown but there is an extensive virtual programme all residents can take advantage of too.”
The businesses and individuals receiving the grants will also be able to tap into virtual support from a network of innovators and thinkers as well as having access to The Studio, which offers free co-working desk space for up to 12 months, meeting rooms, breakout spaces and free workshops and events.
The Studio, on Palace Yard Mews, has been supporting 27 creative tech businesses virtually throughout the pandemic. It will reopen this spring.
As well as a home for innovation and enterprise, as it will also become a hub for research, as the home to initiatives such as The South West Creative Technologies Network (SWCTN), Bristol + Bath Creative R+D project and Paper Nations.
Micro-businesses or individuals working in the creative technologies industry can now apply to occupy space at The Studio for up to a year. For more information, visit: https://www.bathspa.ac.uk/research-and-enterprise/the-studio/
To watch a short video about The Studio, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX8g0V-Khk8&feature=youtu.be
