Major artistic workspaces or production sites for creative endeavors in visual arts
Artistic Transformation
Slide on over to Nottingham, where a former Victorian school is shaking off its dusty past and stepping into a vibrant future as a creative hub. A collaboration between London studio Pricegore and arts organization Primary has breathed new life into this Grade II-listed relic.
Let's get the party started! Primary, a Nottingham-based arts powerhouse, took up residence after Pricegore worked their magic on this historical building. This transformation marks the initial phase of a long-term plan to revamp the entire campus.
Way back in 2019, Pricegore teamed up with Kingston School of Art students to explore the potential of the Primary site. Their efforts culminated in a public exhibition, sparking a flurry of ideas that are now a reality.
Sculpting the Space
Pricegore's vision for the project was to create a more connected and welcoming environment for both the artistic community and the city as a whole. They've introduced fresh gatherings spots, a performance area, and an on-site planting zone meant for dye creation – because who doesn't love a bit of artisanal dye?
Outside, the old playground has been reimagined as a welcoming hub, complete with flexible seating steps that moonlight as performance seating. If that isn't enough, there's a new workshop snuggling up to a 1960s annex's playful blue timber facade, and a windsock crafted by resident art collective Reactor to add some whimsy.
A grand entrance welcomes visitors with an oversized glazed door and a galvanized steel canopy, while scrutinious signage by resident publisher Beam ensures you never lose your way. Inside, refurbished lobby and reception areas provide a sleek backdrop for the light-filled former school halls, now adapted for versatile artistic programming.
Foodies need not fret – a new studio-kitchen was added to cater to culinary arts events and workshops, complete with accessible counters and plenty of storage. Accessibility is paramount, as a staircase and platform lift links floors throughout the building, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.
A History of Collaboration
Pricegore's partnership with Primary began in 2013, following studies conducted by Pricegore director Dingle Price. This latest evolution represents years of cooperative planning and visioning that have finally come to fruition under Primary's ownership of the site. With feedback from residents and board members, Pricegore will continue to advance Primary's campus vision, with plans for additional studios and workshop facilities within Primary's grounds.
Dingle Price, director at Pricegore, shares their excitement: "We feel like part of the Primary community, and are thrilled to see how these light-touch and economical architectural interventions can radically transform the presence and role of the organization within the city and broader arts scene."
Niki Russell, director at Primary, echoes these sentiments: "This is just the start of an important new phase in Primary's development. We will shape our organization, creative programming, and spaces to be more inclusive, working closely with artists, audiences, and local communities."
So here's to a brighter future for the arts scene in Nottingham, as Primary settles into their stylish new quarters! Be sure to swing by and check it out for yourself.
To cultivate a vibrant and welcoming lifestyle for both the artistic community and the city, Pricegore incorporated home-and-garden elements such as flexible seating steps, an on-site planting zone, and a studio-kitchen, complete with accessible counters and storage. In an exciting new phase of development, Primary, along with their collaborators, aims to make their organization, creative programming, and spaces more inclusive by integrating home-and-garden elements into their revamped campus.
