The Steeple, a new WASPS Trust venue for the arts in Newburgh, has just been unveiled. The building houses six affordable studios for artists, a residency flat and studio for visiting artists, and a project room for art classes, workshops, performances and exhibitions.
The Wasps Trust and Wasps Artists' Studios have developed this new complex, the first of its kind in Fife, in partnership with local arts charity, Fife Arts Co-operative.
Formerly Newburgh's town hall, town house and corn market, the building has been renovated by Nicoll Russell Studios, at a cost of £430,000. The project has been made possible with support from Fife Council, Scottish Enterprise Fife, the Scottish Arts
Council Capital Lottery Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, Fife Environment Trust, East Fife LEADER+ 2000-2006 Programme, the Community Environmental Renewal Scheme and loan finance from Triodos Bank.
The Steeple will be open to the public from 11am to 3pm, Saturday 15th March and visitors will get the chance to walk around the building, meet with the new studio artists and view their work. Please visit www.steeplearts.co.uk for a run down of classes and courses that will be taking place over the coming months.
David Cook, Wasps' Chief Executive said "We are absolutely thrilled to have completed this development in Newburgh. It is a landmark project which will bring real benefits to the local arts community and to people living in North Fife. Thanks to all the funders for their enthusiasm and support in making this project happen.
Councillor Tony Martin, Chair of Fife Council’s Environment and Transportation Committee said: “Fife recognises the contribution that artists who live and work in our communities make to the overall social and economic development of our towns and villages and it’s great to see a regeneration project that Fife Council has supported coming to life. Wasps has a proven track record in the development and delivery of this type of initiative. This has regenerated the former Town Hall and Corn Exchange, complimenting the other physical and community regeneration initiatives in the town.
Images: Andrew Lee
