Creative Community Assets Launching in Perth City Centre
Perth’s reputation as a leading hub for craft and creativity takes another significant step forward, as Perth UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art joins forces with Wasps Perth Creative Exchange to launch three new community assets: a ceramics kiln, a glass kiln, and a photography darkroom.
These state-of-the-art facilities will be open to makers across Perth and Kinross on a pay-for-what-you-use basis. Rather than a membership or rental model, users will pay only for the electricity used during kiln firings or for replenishing materials in the darkroom. This approach significantly lowers the financial barrier to entry, offering flexible and affordable access to professional-grade equipment.
This initiative, made possible through funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Perth and Kinross Council, furthers both the city’s creative economy and its community engagement objectives. Each facility will be overseen by a technical advisor to ensure safety, support experimentation, and encourage the sharing of knowledge and skills, widely acknowledged as essential pillars of a thriving creative ecosystem.
Chris Cowie, Interim CEO at Wasps, sees the venture as a natural extension of Wasps’ mission:
“At Wasps, our mission is to support Scotland’s creative community by providing spaces and opportunities that empower artists and makers to thrive. These new community assets in Perth perfectly embody that vision. They break down barriers, invite experimentation, and make high-quality facilities accessible to everyone.”
The initiative coincides with the fifth anniversary of Perth Creative Exchange, Wasps' flagship hub in the city. Since opening, the Exchange has become a vibrant centre for artist studios, creative industries, exhibitions, and entrepreneurial development through the Perth Ideas Centre. The addition of these community assets further embeds the Exchange—and the city—as a cornerstone of Scotland’s creative landscape.
As the UK’s only UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art, Perth’s long-standing identity as a ‘craftis toun’ continues to evolve. The city’s deep heritage in traditional making practices is visible across the cultural landscape—from the celebrated collections at Perth Museum to the current glass exhibition at Perth Art Gallery. The new community assets are designed to connect the city’s creative past with its innovative present.
Paul Adair, Technical Advisor to the community darkroom and Collections Officer at Culture Perth and Kinross, underscores the historical importance of this offering: “As the Photography Curator at Perth Art Gallery, I’m very conscious of Perth’s important role in the history of photography. Keeping the darkroom craft alive is important to understanding our local heritage. I hope this new facility will allow some existing photographers to get back in the darkroom and introduce a whole new generation to the magic of seeing their images develop under the glow of a red safelight.”
Cllr Andrew Drysdale, Convener of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, highlights the broader vision: “As the UK’s first and only UNESCO City of Craft and Folk Art, we have a huge responsibility to increase access to craft making. Participating in craft isn’t just a creative endeavour—it’s a mindful activity and a powerful way to connect with heritage and culture at a tangible level. We are excited to see what our community will create in these spaces and proud to support initiatives that build on our identity as a City of Craft and Folk Art.”
With an accessible pricing model, expert guidance, and a strong cultural infrastructure already in place, this latest investment ensures that makers, whether professionals, students, or hobbyists, have the tools they need to innovate, collaborate, and create in the heart of Perth.
