I’m an artist, I need space (2016)

Video

Duration 10 mins

 

A documentary about the changing face of Newcastle Upon Tyne, with emphasis on the increasing amount of student accommodation developments and their impacts on the neighbouring and soon to be displaced arts charities and creative communities. 

 

The film follows the progress of controversial demolitions contrasted with commercial building projects in the city, the vulnerability of independent businesses, artist studios and community spaces and the increasing struggle for individuality and expressive culture versus multi-million pound property development schemes.

 

It comes at a time when Newcastle City Council grants permission to developers to build 45 new student accommodation blocks and conversions, including 21 in the 5 years leading up to the making of the documentary. By now, it is widely felt that the city is already swamped. This development notably concentrated around some of the city’s least affluent areas. 

 

We hear from Charlie Gregory, former director of The Newbridge Project. Kathryn Hodgkinson, founder of Cobalt Studios and Lauren Stone, comedian and staff member of The Alphabetti Theatre.