Krowji Launches New Sustainable Container Studios Ahead of Christmas Open Studios Community Event

Photo Credit: Container Studios – 3 Deep Media

Redruth’s creative hub, Krowji, marks a major milestone with the launch of 19 new container studios in time for its Christmas Open Studios event.

Sustainable Studios Transforming Krowji’s Creative Space

Krowji, Cornwall’s largest creative hub and part of the Creative Kernow charity, has announced the launch of 19 new sustainable container studios. These purpose-built units will be unveiled during this year’s Christmas Open Studios event, which runs from 29th November to 1st December.

The new studios have been designed to support dynamic disciplines such as sculpture, installation art, ceramics, jewellery making, and more. Ranging in size from 9 to 25 square metres, the studios aim to cater for artists and makers requiring specialist spaces, including the use of kilns, forges, and other tools. A new courtyard featuring trees, wildflowers, and a community planter is also being developed as part of the space, providing a welcoming environment for studio users and visitors alike.

Elisa Harris, Director of Krowji, reflected on the progress since the devastating fire in May 2021, which destroyed 15 studios, workshops, and offices. Elisa said:

“The launch of our new studios marks a major turning point for Krowji, and we’d like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the vast numbers of individuals and businesses, within the Redruth community and further afield, who reached out to us following the fire three years ago.”

A New Start for Artists and Makers

The creation of these sustainable studios was made possible by a £382,819 grant from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme, funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This funding enabled the replacement of lost studios, alongside site-wide improvements in sustainability and accessibility, including the installation of solar panel arrays and upgraded public facilities.

Fiona Wotton, CEO of Creative Kernow, praised the development, saying:

“We are delighted with the addition of these new sustainable container studios to the Krowji site. We are grateful for the vision and support of Cornwall Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for aiding Krowji’s recovery, and our thanks extend to the Krowji community for their continued support during this period of change.”

Former tenant Sinead O’Connor, who lost her studio in the 2021 fire, expressed her excitement about returning to Krowji:

“I am really looking forward to moving into my new container studio at Krowji. It is extremely difficult to find places that allow use of kilns, forges and anvils for heritage crafts like mine. It will be fantastic to be surrounded by other craft artists using traditional skills in contemporary ways.”

Christmas Open Studios: A Community Invitation

The launch of the new studios coincides with Krowji’s renowned Christmas Open Studios, an event offering visitors the chance to explore the creative hub, meet local artists, and view their work. The event begins on 29th November, from 5-9pm, and continues over the weekend on 30th November and 1st December, from 10am-4pm.

For more details, visit Krowji.org.uk, call 01209 313200, or email info@krowji.org.uk.

About Krowji and Creative Kernow

Located in Redruth, Krowji is Cornwall’s largest creative hub, providing studios and workspaces for artists and makers. It is part of Creative Kernow, a charity supporting Cornwall’s creative sector through various programmes and events. For more information, visit Creative Kernow’s website.

Photo Credit: Christmas Open Studios – Huw Briscoe