Press Releases

April 16 2009

Art studios go AWOL in east Manchester

AWOL studios based in Hope Mill on Pollard Street in Ancoats, east Manchester are expanding onto a second floor in the building and are opening a further 15 new art studios.  

The studios range from 140 to 1200 sq ft in size, cost from £75 per month for a shared studio and from £120 per month for a separate studio.  These purpose-built spaces are suitable for individual artists or small creative businesses including, fashion, new media, photography, fine art, sculpture, ceramics and design. 

AWOL opened 26 studios in the mill in December last year and it is now home to 35 local artists specialising in everything from jewellery making and fashion labels to graphic design.  The work spaces offer secure 24 hour access and a modern environment with many original features including large windows and high ceilings.

Commenting on the new space, Phil Walton, title, AWOL Studios said: “We have studios of all shapes and sizes so we really have something to just about fit any need and budget.  We’ve already had an enormous amount of interest and 60 per cent of the new studios have already been let.  As more and more mills are being turned into apartment blocks there is less and less space for artists and small businesses to make a home, so we believe Hope Mill is really important for the arts community in Manchester.”

Libby Graham, Director of Social Regeneration at New East Manchester said: “These studios have already created a real buzz within the east Manchester art scene and are clearly filling an obvious need for quality studio space at an affordable price.  AWOL Studios is enabling local entrepreneurs to turn their talent into a business which is great news, particularly in this economic climate.”

Kathryn Kimber from Bows and Arrows, a handmade cards and home accessories business based at the AWOL Studios said: “We’ve been in Hope Mill for over a year and love it here.  It offers a community for creative people and therefore far more than just having studio space.  We’re very happy here.” 

For further information on AWOL Studios call Phil Walton on 07968 361506 or e-mail philwalton@aol.com.

For more details about New East Manchester visit www.neweastmanchester.com and AWOL Studios on www.awol-studios.co.uk.