01/08/2019
In July 2019 we launched a new shared pop-up recording studio, community gig and exhibition space was launched in collaboration with the record label Upcycled Sounds in Templars Square to a packed out gig.
Upcycled Sounds is a local audio production team, an artist collective and a record label. This new space has been made possible with support from the landlords New River, Oxford City Council and Templars Square Shopping Centre team.
On the opening night, artists from Upcycled Sounds played some beautiful tunes in celebration. Among them were Theo, Jay Sunaway, Rosie Caldecott and Limpet Space Race all performed! Meanwhile, the walls were decorated with stunning artworks by local artist Kelvin Jenkins.
The studio was built in a disused shop on Between Towns Road, transforming an empty space into an exciting venue. Alongside the instalment of state-of-the-art audio equipment, the interiors were cleaned up, restructured, soundproofed and decorated by Upcycled Sounds with help from the Fusion Arts team and other volunteers.
In keeping with Upcycled Sounds’ strong DIY and eco-friendly practises, sustainable materials were sourced from the following local organisations: RAW Workshop, Oxford Wood Recycling and Orinoco Scrapstore.
“Finding affordable creative space in Oxford is so challenging and we’re very excited to be teaming up with Fusion Arts to transform a space which has been empty for years into a thriving recording studio and community gig space.”
“We chose to work with Upcycled Sounds as they are committed to DIY creativity, experimentation and diverse cultural programming. They run so many inspiring creative initiatives, supporting and developing artists, with positive social and environmental impact at the core.”
Since opening, the space has hosted an exciting roster of musicians and visual artists, including exhibitions by John A. Blythe, Tommy Watkins, Kelvin Jenkins and Alex Singleton.
A huge thank you to Templars Square Shopping Centre and New River REIT for all their help and support in bringing the project to reality.
Fusion Arts work with artists, groups and communities from across Oxfordshire and beyond to support a variety of imaginative and socially engaged projects.
Exploring Climate Change Through the Eyes of Indigenous Farmers in Indonesia. A collaborative project with Soboman Artspace 219 in Yogyakarta.
Creative writing project for young people across Oxfordshire, building writing skills as important tools for self-expression.
Long term project using interactive art strategies to develop speech and language in young children.
