The Dundee art collective Tin Roof is to shut its doors this summer, after almost six years of working with local artists in the community.
The founder of the initiative, Joanna Helfer, said she was “devastated” at having to leave their premises on Bellefield Street due to difficulties and costs in maintaining the building.
Ms Helfer also called on other art projects and studios in the city to help accommodate the 22 artists and designers who will be left in the cold as a result of the closure.
“We are devastated by this turn of events which mean our much loved building will no longer be available to us,” she said.
“It has been such a valuable resource to so many people over the past 5 years.
“The first challenge this move presents is trying to find studios for our 22 resident artists and designers, so we appeal to anyone in Dundee who might have vacant space they might be willing to lease to artists, long or short term.
“We have big dreams for Tin Roof and hope to continue making a difference to the creative landscape in the city.
Joanna set up the collective after leaving art college in the summer of 2010, after noticing the lack of space available for new artists in the city.
The collective have worked in close partnership with Dundee University, and the acting deputy dean of Duncan of Jordanstone said that the project had been “extremely valuable” for young graduates stepping in to the wider art world.
She said: “Tin Roof Artist’s Collective has been a great resource for graduates of Duncan of Jordanstone.
“We are very proud of the core group of graduates who set it up and the many who have been part of the organisation over the last 5 years.
“Providing support and a sense of community, studios, venues for all kinds of art activities and opportunities to learn about the professional aspects of being an artist have all been extremely valuable.
“I hope that although Tin Roof will no longer be based in the Bellfield Street space and may no longer be in a position to provide studios, the community spirit and positive, supportive attitude of Tin Roof will carry on in an evolved form.”
Ms Helfer insists that although Tin Roof no longer has a building, they will continue to operate in Dundee for as long as possible.
An offshoot of the project, Tin Makers, is to appear at the Ignite art festival this May.