Look what’s popped up for local artists and performers

LOCAL artists and performers are being given the chance to showcase their talents in a new pop-up space in the centre of Paisley.

Renfrewshire Leisure has launched POP – a temporary community arts, event and exhibition space in the former Post Office, at the Piazza Shopping Centre.

For the summer months Renfrewshire Leisure are offering it free of charge to local artists and creative groups to host workshops, events, exhibitions, performances and shows with the possibility of extending the offer if the space remains available.

Already local groups will be using POP over the next few weeks featuring creative workshops, craft activities, local film showings and music workshops.

The POP launch events on Friday and Saturday, May 3 and 4, between noon and 4pm includes free drop-in family friendly activities, screenings of local films and an acoustic workshop from Paisley singer-songwriter, Michael Cassidy.

Other events being held during May include the launch of Renfrewshire Mental Health Arts Festival; an advice session with Creative Scotland for Renfrewshire’s new Visual Artist and Craft Makers Award scheme.

There are also several performances and showcases of new work commissioned as part of Renfrewshire Leisure’s Out of Place programme including BINGE, a new video installation curated by Brian Lobel as part of Glasgow Tramway’s Take Me Somewhere Festival.

And on June 4,5 and 6, Buddies can relax and enjoy our Cosy Cinema sessions, hosted by the Paisley Camcorder Club.

Renfrewshire Leisure’s chairperson, Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes said: “We’re giving the many gifted artistic people of Renfrewshire the chance to showcase their talents to the public free of charge.

“We’ve already got a packed programme for the month of May and we’d love to hear from others who would like to use this pop-up venue in the coming months.

“As well as being a boost for local artists and performers, POP will be great for members of the public to drop and be entertained.”

Renfrewshire Leisure’s Arts Manager Rikki Payne said, “Thanks to a partnership with Edinburgh Printmakers who hold the lease, and with the support of the Piazza shopping centre, we have the opportunity to occupy the space on a temporary, low cost basis.

“It’s a real pop-up space, and we are opening up the opportunity to local artists and organisations to use the space to showcase their work.

“My advice to artists, makers and Renfrewshire’s creative community is make the most of it while it’s here. It’s an amazing accessible space and a great chance to get your work to new audiences.”

To book space at the POP venue, contact Kate Drummond by email at kate.drummond@renfrewshire.gov.uk .