Sky-high land prices and poor quality existing building stock make it difficult for anybody to find healthy, comfortable and affordable places to live. For people in the creative industries, finding both places to live and studios or performance spaces that are fit for purpose is particularly difficult.
A community of artists based in and around Stoke-on-Trent want to explore developing land or existing property, such as through a co-operative or community land trust. The project might deliver accommodation for visiting artists, live/work units for the area's existing artists and ceramicists, or a mixture of housing types.
It's a great idea - but also a rarity. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit within existing definitions of a 'local' community initiative, making support hard to obtain.
So my question is: do you know of any similar, culturally-led land or property developments that could act as inspiration? If so, it would be great to hear from you. If not, I'd really appreciate you sharing this post so as many eyes as possible can see it. Cheers!