Anyplace Projects is an incorporated association initiated to develop and maintain unused commercial properties, transitional sites and other empty spaces. We work with property owners, local councils and developers to provide space for community groups, emerging artists and the surrounding residents to produce and develop their interests and practices.
Anyplace reinvigorates unused buildings, turning them into functional parts of their local area. The temporary transformation of buildings creates interesting cultural spaces, productive environments for artists and discourages vandalism, trespass and other issues common to empty properties.
The project works because everyone involved from owner, to occupant benefits from the creative reuse of the space.
Anyplace uses a licensing agreement developed in Newcastle as part of the successful RenewNewcastle project. A typical license is based on a rolling 30 day contract determining access to the property and specifying allowed uses. Property owners can give 30 days’ notice at any time should they need the property, for instance if they have received a commercial offer or need to proceed with development. This enables the property owner to provide access to the property without sacrificing potential commercial returns.
To mitigate liability Anyplace manages the short term use of buildings; we pay for public liability and other necessary insurances and take over the basic maintenance of the site. We support the property owners to the maximum extent possible to ensure their involvement is seen as a positive contribution to the community while ensuring the resident is able to maximise their usage of the building site.
Put simply, Anyplace strives to make the temporary transformation of a building site a positive outcome for all stakeholders involved.
Projects At Anyplace
The programs and activities developed by the residents involved with Anyplace are diverse and tailored to the provisions of the building. We have an open application process that canvasses the local community for projects in particular need of space.
Previous Anyplace sites have produced projects such as:
- Studio space for emerging artists.
- Rehearsal facilities for musicians, theatre groups and/or dance troupes.
- Gallery and exhibition space.
- Cinematheque screening classic, cult and arthouse films.
- Work space for start up creative enterprises.
