Empty Shops Tour inspires new grant scheme

The Empty Shops Network, currently touring the country, have announced a new small grant scheme from their temporary HQ in Carlisle's Lowther Arcade. The group are there for one week, hosted by local organisation Arcade Arts. And having the chance to meet other artists has inspired a new funding scheme.

Micro 'Go and See' bursaries will be offered to cover travel costs so that artists can visit each other's empty shop projects. The grants will be between £50-£250. Visiting artists will be asked to review the project they visit and contribute to the Empty Shops Network's archive of empty shops projects.

 The Empty Shops Network is the UK-wide organisation representing artists and organisations using empty shops for meanwhile projects. It acts as a support network, develops practical resources like the Empty Shops Workbook, and through projects like the current national tour and a forthcoming a-n seminar series provides informal training and networking opportunities.

The Empty Shops Network tour was launched with a week-long residency in Brixton, and visited Shoreham by Sea before its current week-long residency in Carlisle. From 22-27 March the tour will be based in City Arcade, Coventry.

“I've been lucky enough to see projects across the country this year, meeting artists and finding inspiration,” says the Empty Shops Network founder Dan Thompson, “and I want to give more artists and organisations the chance to meet, share ideas and collaborate.”

A limited fund is available, thanks to the support of the Meanwhile Project. A simple application process will allow artists and groups to easily access travel bursaries to a maximum of £250.

For more information, please email [email protected].

The Empty Shops Network's national tour and the go-and-see bursary scheme are supported by the Meanwhile Project. The Empty Shops Network is also supported by a-n.co.uk and Worthing & Adur Regeneration.