Monday 21 September 2015

Its official! 'Construction of Cove Park's new Artist Centre begins'

Today we announced our delight that the construction of our new Artist Centre had begun and is due for completion in April 2016.

The £1.4 million capital project is funded by Creative Scotland and a number of trusts and individuals, including major awards from the Robertson and the Monument Trusts. The new Centre has been designed by architects CameronWebster and is being built by Clark Contracts for Cove park's expanding programmes of artist residencies and public events, with spaces for workshops and performances and comfortable communal space for visitors. 

The build includes two accommodation units and two studios, which will increase Cove Park's capacity to twelve and allow a greater diversity of residencies for individuals and groups.

The Centre will be fully disabled accessible, is designed on sustainable principles and enables Cove Park to host residencies and events all year round. The orientation of the new building will maximise views across Loch Long, so that visitors and artists will for the first time be able to enjoy Cove Park's spectacular west coast setting in all weathers.

Chair of Cove Park's Board, Seona Ried said:
"This is an exciting time for Cove Park. The Centre will offer facilities for artists and the public that will enhance our growing international reputation as a centre of excellence for the arts."

Lesley MacDonald of the Robertson Trust said:
"The Robertson Trust supports projects and activities which widen access and increase participation in all forms of artistic activities for people throughout Scotland. We are delighted to support this new phase in the history of Cove Park." 

Abraham Cruzvillegas, recipient of the Hyundai Commission at Tate Turbine Hall and Cove Park resident in 2008 said:
"Cove Park's residency programme has been crucial as it provided me not only with lots of freedom in terms of the development of my practice, but also an immense experience of learning and sharing with others."

Wednesday 16 September 2015

Foundations provide blank canvas for new Artist Centre

The foundations of the old centre have been revealed and are ready for the new Artist Centre to be built upon. We will post updates here regularly so do return and see how we are getting on with the construction.


Friday 11 September 2015

Demolition commences

The first step in realising Cove Park's new Artist Centre has been taken - namely demolition! Clark Contracts made short, sharp work to raze the well loved but weary centre to the ground in 4 days.

Tuesday 8 September 2015

New phone number

Our new temporary home requires a new temporary phone number. If you need to call us, do so on 01436 455063!

Friday 4 September 2015

Looking forward to the new Artist Centre

This evening we welcomed members of our local community, funders and supporters to engage with our plans for the new Artist Centre and the potential this improved space offers to develop our residency and public programmes. 

Guests heard from Architect of the new Artist Centre, Miranda Webster of Cameron Webster, our Chair, Seona Reid and Director, Julian Forrester.


The major capital redevelopment programme, funded by Creative Scotland and a number of trusts and individuals, will allow us to significantly develop our residency programme and for the first time offer an expanded and fully integrated education and participatory programme from Summer 2016. 

At the gathering we invited people to tell us how they thought a public programme of creative activities could be developed relative to their organisation, projects or initiatives for the benefit of the region. Thus we initiated conversations we plan to continue with our local and regional community.