Based within the Institute for Creative Arts Practice at Newcastle University, the Meanwhile Space research cluster brings together artists, creative practitioners, academics, policy-makers, town planners, architects, cultural theorists and interested others around the theory and practice of meanwhile use – or the temporary letting of vacant spaces for social and cultural benefit in between 'other' (more commercial) uses. It provides a sustainable meeting point for news and exchange and aims to foster long-term dialogue - recognising that this work all too often takes place on a project-to-project basis.

Through a newsletter and regular informal meetings the Meanwhile Space cluster enables colleagues to share opportunities, foster new collaborations, and develop and strengthen relationships across and outwith the University. It further generates support and visibility for a wide range of work – including creative practice, research, place-based, impact and knowledge exchange work, as well as sector-led projects. We work on a diverse range of topics, including the impact of meanwhile use on creative practice, collaborative and participatory planning, regeneration and gentrification, the adaptive re-use of heritage, arts-led regeneration and place-making, social and cultural impact, the re-visioning of town and city centres, and the protection of grassroots arts venues.

The cluster is open to students, staff, artists and creative practitioners from all disciplines (e.g. fine art, dance, music, theatre, graphic design, illustration, craft, urban planning, architecture, sociology, museum and gallery studies, media and cultural studies, business studies, politics and more) as well as sector professionals.

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