News April 2026
A Moment to Reflect
The evolving landscape of meanwhile space for artists in Scotland
We welcome new research commissioned by Creative Scotland as a timely review of the impact of meanwhile spaces in Scotland and as an opportunity to open up conversations about the role of meanwhile in the wider ecology.
Ahead of the workshop led by researchers Dr Emma Coffield and Gareth McMurchy from Newcastle University as part of our Meanwhile Spaces in Edinburgh event on 23 April, our Director, Shân Edwards reflects on what our temporary art spaces have meant for studio infrastructure and artist support in Scotland since 2021.
'As we approach five years of Outer Spaces, we are looking back to when we started. Back then, in Covid era 2021, we began questioning why conventional approaches and structures could not serve artists' needs or ambitions as the world began to open back up. Where was the space for art making and conversation when the institutions, shuttered for months, reopened with reduced access and few opportunities? When freelance incomes had been decimated and the cost of being an artist was too much.
A necessity then, in an increasingly digital age, to begin adding new physical spaces to what was already there. Taking on temporary leases for vacant shops and offices left empty by the pandemic, we began building our own programmes. We made space available for artists, and importantly, we made our spaces free to use. A good time now then, to look back and see what we have done.
We can point to a transformed studio landscape with a network of more than 1000 artists and new graduates using our meanwhile spaces in Scotland. New programmes and partnerships where we have provided financial and curatorial support for more than 100 artists with our own commissioning, awards, professional development and bursaries.
The world has changed since we began, and so have we. We have grown our team, expanded our programmes, supported more artist communities. Across 15 local authorities, we have turned empty commercial spaces into temporary places of artistic research, production, interaction and exchange. Art events, creative activities, and shared spaces have generated genuine moments of connection and belonging.
As we lose our existing art spaces, we are working to set up new ones. We're looking at moving into new areas, making new spaces and creating more opportunities. We want to maintain our network as we recognise lasting impact is built through long-term support, even when the addresses change.
What does the future hold? In an unequal world, we are all facing the current market reality. Running a building costs and rents are high. Regeneration strategies are looking at meanwhile use and repurposing, and the still empty shops and offices in our high streets and city centres will continue to offer up opportunities.
In a recent review, our artists placed 'free space' at the top of their needs, followed by professional development and community. So then, we will keep opening up new art spaces and keep building community and belonging within our network. As artists, curators and art historians ourselves, the way we lead will still be focused on career enhancing programmes and the needs of artists. As we look towards innovative ways to develop new opportunities and possibilities, Outer Spaces will always maintain our core objectives of sustaining artistic practice, ambition and professional progression.' - Shan Edwards, Director and CEO, Outer Spaces
Meanwhile Spaces in Edinburgh
Thursday 23 April, 1-6pm
Outer Spaces, Exchange Place 1, 1 Semple Street, Edinburgh
Join us for a tour of Outer Spaces, Exchange Place, Edinburgh,
plus a workshop and discussion looking at the impact of meanwhile space models for artist and practitioners.
Images:
1. View from studio of Hanna Lehtinen, The Cube Studio Residency Artist 2025 - Outer Spaces, 45 Leith Street, Edinburgh
2. Studio of Olivia Priya Foster, HOST Residency Artist 2025 - Outer Spaces x EAF25. Photo, Sally Jubb
3. Studio of Connie Woods, British Council Venice Fellow 2026 - Outer Spaces, City Park, Glasgow
Registered Scottish Charity No: SC051153
Registered Address: Artists’ Spaces SCIO
15 Calton Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8DL
Copyright © 2025 Outer Spaces
WAITING LIST + NEWSLETTER
