We’re opening our doors as Macrobert launches its new Open House programme – a professional artist development opportunity for people working in the field of theatre, dance or contemporary performance practice.
Solo artists, theatre and dance companies often have very limited access to resources. Making work is a continual struggle to find time, the space and the energy to get together to try out new ideas for shows – and this research time is almost always unsupported.
Yet many theatres and arts buildings across Scotland have some spare space and time in their schedules when their rehearsal rooms aren't in full-time use. Usually, these spaces are then hired out to other artists – those exact same artists and companies who don’t have access to resources or are often unsupported financially.
So, at Macrobert, we’re changing.
Professional artists are now able to register to use our rehearsal room facilities entirely free of charge, with access given simply on an availability basis and shared with different artists. It’s a small step in a new direction towards creating a new and purposeful sharing-economy in the arts. Rather than all the resource of Macrobert be ‘ours’ instead they’re openly shared to the benefit of both us and our partner artists…
Although Open House is part of our new professional performing artist programme (with more to come...) I’m hoping audiences will eventually benefit as theatre and dance shows that once started out just as ideas being explored at Macrobert will one day become fantastic and successful new shows seen by thousands across Scotland.
Professional artists working in theatre/dance/performance who are interested in being part of Open House programme should just get in touch with me. Its really that simple. No alarms, no surprises. Free, always.
Ed Robson
Artistic Director, Macrobert.