Our vision is to promote creative rights, civic pride and community involvement. We will evolve a world-class creative hub with young people and their communities at its heart.
Our Vision
Friends of The Pipe Factory CIC has purchased, and plans to redevelop, the iconic B-listed building to complement existing cultural provision for young people, artists and the wider community, and deliver impacts around well-being, economic and cultural development, education, and social justice.
The Pipe Factory will operate as a creative social enterprise, with space for; exhibition and performances, residencies, events, workshops, talks, after-school activities, alongside open plan studio, workshop, and office space for creative social enterprises.
Over time, we hope that the Friends of The Pipe Factory CIC will present a powerful story of not only how different socially-purposed organisations can work together for a common goal, but how a disused heritage asset can be brought back to life to promote creative, civic and nurturing values.
Our six main outcomes
The services we build will complement existing cultural provision for young people, artists and the wider community, and deliver impacts around well-being, economic and cultural development, education, and social justice.
Community.
Our activity will increase creative and cultural community engagement, serving the geographical needs and interests of Calton and The Barras by 100%. We evolve creative and social platforms to bring local people together in an inclusive space that connects people through the arts and heritage.
Health
Improvements in physical and mental well-being will be realised through a focus on arts and health programmes and the benefits associated with improved understanding and utilisation of therapy, self-directed care and social prescribing through the arts.
Learning
New formal and informal creative learning, skills development and training programmes.
Economy
Pathways to employability that will enhance the city economy, the construction industry and the much-maligned diversity of the cultural sector.
Creative Industries
SMEs, social and/or micro-businesses will be nurtured and supported as well as resources and stimulus offered for partnership with individuals, artists, local and national cultural organisations to develop new enterprise ideas and initiatives.
Heritage
One iconic and beloved listed building will be saved and purposed for the benefit of inclusion, social, cultural, and environmental improvement. The Pipe Factory will make accessible a centrally located stage for community heritage activities; from festivals to events (such as Barras 100 in 2021); formal and informal learning; residencies and installations, both physical and digital, to celebrate the building itself and its fascinating community and heritage.
A space for all
Our vision is to refurbish The Pipe Factory building to create a space for collaboration and creative experimentation. We need your help to complete this work, which will cost in the region of £2.5m. Find out how you can donate to further our cause and make our vision a reality.
INCH Architecture & MKA
INCH Architecture & MKA
Friends of the pipe factory
Friends of The Pipe Factory CIC was formed in March 2020 and brings together the knowledge and expertise of three organisations; Articulate Cultural Trust, INCH Architecture + Design and Strange Field. Find out more about our partnership