SSW are celebrating the news that their capital development and building project will now go ahead despite the recession.

Following an extended period of intensive research and fund-raising, Scottish Sculpture Workshop (SSW) has reached the first funding target in their ambitious development plan for their site at Lumsden. With a budget in excess of £500,000 now in place, SSW is now in a position to implement the first stage in their long awaited capital development plan. After a due tender process they have appointed Robertson Northern, of Robertson Construction Group, to undertake a programme of site refurbishment and construction works.

These works will take place at the SSW site in Lumsden, a former bakery that was developed into an international artists residency centre in 1979.

Key features of the first stage of development are:

• Replacement and refurbishment of roofing throughout the site;
  Installation of an eco-friendly, environmentally sustainable heating system;
• A purpose built ???Community Space???, for community participation and flexible learning
• Total refurbishment of studio spaces and on-site accommodation

SSW will continue to fund raise into Spring 2010 in order to reach the target budget for the secondary stage of the project, which will include the purchase of new equipment and resources. Alongside this, SSW is continuing to work on a wide programme of workshops and activities, which are open to the public as well as to schools and community groups, and which are available from September 2010.

Completion of the Capital Development programme will allow Scottish Sculpture Workshop to build further upon its international reputation for excellence in visual arts research and practice, as well as develop significant relationships with community groups and members.

???Getting this project off the ground is a real sign of optimism in these financially straitened times. While other arts projects in the north east are facing ongoing challenges, SSW hopes that this will provide a bit of inspiration for all, as well as a fantastic resource for artists and an asset for the local community??? ??? Hilary Nicoll, SSW Director

“This is a very exciting development for SSW, which looks to guarantee our cultural position in Aberdeenshire and the north east” ??? Jim Buckley, Chairman of SSW Board.

To facilitate the construction work, SSW will reduce its onsite artist programme from February 2010 ??? August 2010. However SSW has a programme of off-site events with various artists planned for this period. Crucially, the foundry and metal workshop will remain open for self-funded residencies.

For further details and promotional images please contact Kelly M. Anderson at kelly@ssw.org.uk

Scottish Sculpture Workshop would like to gratefully thank:
Scottish Arts Council Lottery
Aberdeenshire Council
Aberdeenshire Community Asset Fund
Aberdeenshire LEADER Fund
Garfield Weston Foundation
The Robertson Trust
The Gannochy Trust
Foyle Foundation
The Fraser Foundation
Trusthouse Charitable Foundation
Community Energy Scotland
for all their help and financial assistance with the Capital Development Project.

For more information visit www.ssw.org.uk