It’s been one year since the launch of the Boscombe-based initiative By the Sea and the team behind it are celebrating its success.
Since opening its doors the project, based at the Old School House in Gladstone Road, has provided a number of opportunities for creative businesses and individuals across Boscombe.
The Old School House will host an open evening on Thursday 18 June 6-9pm for creative businesses and individuals to view the co working space and meet creatives already in residence. Those who are interested in joining The Old School House network or taking up opportunities to utilise the space for work, exhibitions and workshops are all welcome.
Among the successes highlighted will be the Old School House itself, where a professional co-working creative space has been established with desks, exhibition and workshop space for individuals, start-ups, established businesses and community projects. There are currently 16 creatives based at the Old School House.
The initiative has also been behind the transformation of vacant Boscombe spaces into studio, exhibition and selling opportunities plus support for fringe events such as Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival and The Great Exhibition of Boscombe.
It has also provided practical support to local business start-ups and established growing creative businesses in partnership with Outset Bournemouth, a local start-up support service.
Finally, it has fostered cross-border and partnership working which included an independent French film maker-in-residence at The Old School House working with the Arts University Bournemouth and premiering her film at locations across the South.
Councillor Jane Kelly, Cabinet member for Regeneration, said: “What we have here at the Old School House is unique and exciting and I am thrilled it has proved to be a success in its first year and look forward to its continued success in the future.”
Sam Smith, from Mhub who are a technical team based at the Old School House, said: “The Old School House working environment is great for really getting your head down and getting some work done, as well as having a cup of tea and a chat with some very nice and interesting people. The building also provides a very pleasant setting to attract new people into the business.”
For more information about the open day and the By The Sea project visit: https://by-the-sea.co/old-school-house/ or email [email protected]
