FV Chamber member Made in Stirling CIC has announced plans to create a new Pottery Studio in the heart of Stirling, as part of its wider plan to re-invigorate the high street. Expanding Made in
Stirling’s re-imagined department store on King Street, the basement floor will be
transformed into a dedicated, publicly accessible ceramics workspace.
The project will provide affordable access to ceramics facilities, creative learning
opportunities, makers development programmes, and community engagement activity.
The Studio forms part of Made in Stirling’s wider mission to make creativity accessible
to everyone while strengthening the cultural and economic life of Stirling.
Located within the Creative Stirling Arts Venue in Stirling City Centre, the new studio will
offer open access making sessions, structured classes, masterclasses, mentoring
opportunities, community workshops. Two exhibitions are already planned throughout
the project including a curated collection of ceramics from across Scotland this festive
season in partnership with the Scottish Potters Association. The facility has been
designed in response to a broad range of contributors from complete beginners
discovering the magic of clay for the first time to professional ceramicists seeking
specialised equipment and collaborative working opportunities.
There has been a growing demand for ceramic provision across the region, as currently
many aspiring and established potters in Forth Valley must travel to Edinburgh or
Glasgow to access specialist facilities and training. The Studio will remove these
barriers while creating a vibrant local studio for learning, creativity, and professional
development.
Paul Jenkins, Commercial & Creative Director of Made in Stirling CIC, said:
“This project represents a major step forward for Stirling’s creative future. We know
there is enormous enthusiasm for ceramics locally and we’ve seen first-hand how
creative practice can transform confidence, wellbeing and community connections.
Our vision remains the same as when we opened Made in Stirling Store’s doors in 2018.
We remain committed to creating a space where people of all ages and backgrounds
can learn, teach, and develop their skills.”
The Studio will be equipped with professional pottery wheels, kilns, glazing facilities,
communal workspaces and there will be exhibition opportunities through the work
ongoing at Made in Stirling Store. Alongside regular courses & workshops, the project
will support emerging ceramic artists through the internships and enterprise
development opportunities.
As well as creative development, the studio will place emphasis on community
wellbeing and inclusion. Community engagement will focus on local schools, young
people, and other community organisations and groups traditionally underrepresented
within the arts. Subsidised and free places will help ensure barriers do not prevent
participation. All of this is made possible with grant funding from The National Lottery
through Creative Scotland.
Environmental sustainability will also be central to the studio’s operation. Energy
efficient kilns, clay recycling systems, sustainable procurement practices, and
educational programmes exploring environmentally conscious making will help
minimise the studio’s environmental impact.
The project expects to engage with more than 1000 participants and visitors during the
initial; fully funded; 18-month programme, creating employment opportunities,
supporting local creative businesses, and contributing to Stirling’s growing reputation
as a centre for arts, culture, and creative enterprise.
The Made in Stirling Pottery Studio forms part of a long-term vision to establish Stirling
as a nationally recognised City of Makers, where creativity thrives.
For further information, partnership opportunities or if you’re interested in becoming a
studio member please contact Made in Stirling.
