Newport on Tay Art House Project

Transforming My Studio Into a Livable Work of Art 

Key Points of the Project:

- I’m converting my commercial art studio into a livable home and an artist residency space.

- The project begins with securing change-of-use planning permission and some initial renovations.

- Funds will be used to hire a planning consultant, cover planning fees, and make the space legally and physically habitable.

- This space will be a unique environment where I can live, work, and immerse myself in creativity. 

Location: 28 Tay St, Newport On Tay, Fife, DD6 8AL

The Full Story:

Hi, I’m an artist who has dedicated the last 20 years to living and breathing creativity, while also raising my daughter as a single mother. My vision now is to create something truly unique—I'm transforming my art studio into a livable work of art. But it’s not just a home for me; it’s a space where artists can come, live, and create in a fully immersive, inspiring environment through an artist residency program. 

Currently, the studio is a commercial property, and I need to secure a change of use to legally live there. This is where I need your help! With your support, I’ll be able to hire a planning consultant with local expertise, pay the required fees, and begin the initial renovations necessary to make this space a home. My brother, who is an architect, is already working on the design, and our goal is to create a temporary livable setup that will later evolve into a fully developed live-work studio.

Why Does This Matter?

On a personal level, this project matters because, after years of living an unstable life, I am technically homeless, and this is my opportunity to finally create a secure place to call my own. But it’s about more than just a roof over my head—this project matters because it’s about artists like me, who often struggle to be seen in traditional systems. I’m taking control, creating my own platform, and I want to inspire others to do the same. Representation matters, and I hope to be a beacon for other artists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to take the plunge and live life differently.

What Makes It Unique? 

This project is not just a renovation; it’s an artwork in itself. Imagine a space where artists can come to live, work, and create in a fully immersive environment—a creative wonderland that is as much about the art as it is about living in it. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what a home and studio can be. Artists who participate in the residency will have the chance to work in a space designed specifically for creative exploration, while also building a sense of community and support. Beyond the residency, it will be a place where people can gather, collaborate, and exchange ideas.

Where Will Your Support Go?

The money raised will go directly to the practical steps of making this vision a reality. It will cover:

- The planning consultant, who will navigate the complex local regulations and help secure the change-of-use permissions.

- Planning fees and structural assessments required by the council.

- Essential repairs to make the space secure, including window restoration and the installation of a shower so I can live in the space legally and comfortably.

Why Now? 

Mentally, this idea has been brewing for about four years. What started as a dream for a large sculpture workshop has since morphed into something more intimate and manageable. I’ve spent years trying to get the art establishment to notice me, but now I’m taking matters into my own hands. I’ve already achieved significant milestones, such as buying the studio and building a reputation for supporting other artists. Now, I’m ready to take this project to the next level, but I can’t do it alone. 

With your support, I can take the first step in this journey—securing the planning permission, starting the renovations, and making my studio a home. Together, we can create a space where art and life merge, offering a new way to live and create, not just for me, but for artists everywhere.

The space we're working with.

Rewards

Some of my rewards are still cooking, I'll get images up as soon as they're done. In the meantime you can see some process images on my Instagram.