Art Shape is a pioneering charity that connects creativity and health. They are looking forward to working in a completely renovated campus located in Gloucester’s historic King’s Square. The former Debenhams building has been transformed by a £75 million investment. It will now act as a creative hub for the district’s 1,200 strong student and staff body, encouraging a one-of-a-kind environment that fosters public health and safety through the creative process.
Initially, Kate Cox, director of Art Shape, was very excited by the proposal to relocate the academy. She focused on the need for cooperation and coordination among players in the new ecosystem.
“It’s been amazing… to meet so many new partners and different organisations that we’re going to be working alongside,” said Cox. Her holistic and inclusive approach to wellbeing reclaims creative and expressive practices as spaces that can support medical and clinical health.
The newly created campus will house the county public library, which is moving to the new location later this year. This integration aims to create a dynamic community hub. It will serve students and staff, local charities, and local businesses.
Art Shape has been a key player in the cultural life of Gloucestershire since its inception in 1993. The organization’s mission aligns closely with the new campus’s goals, providing opportunities for individuals to experience the benefits of creative health practices firsthand. Cox noted the dual purpose of the facility—where people can both engage in creative activities and learn how to apply these practices within their educational and medical training.
“People can experience first-hand the benefits of creative health practices and learn how to apply these things within their education and medical training,” she added.
Alex Cottrell from the university added that the design of the campus is very much oriented toward community engagement. “All of our campuses are open, but this one in particular has been designed to integrate the local community, our students, local experts and other stakeholders,” Cottrell stated.
Art Shape and its partners’ commitment to encouraging creative expression is on full display with this new facility. All of their work is underpinned by the idea that creativity is key to individual, cultural and societal health. As it swings wide its doors, it will undoubtedly live up to its potential to become a vibrant hub for innovation and collaboration in Gloucester.
