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. It provides a sustainable meeting point for news and exchange, recognising that this work all too often takes place on a project-to-project basis, and aims to foster long-term dialogue and action across the region.

Through a newsletter and bi-monthly 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, gentrification, arts-led regeneration and place-making, social and cultural impact, and the protection of grassroots venues.

The cluster is open to students, staff, artists, creative practitioners and sector professionals from all disciplines and with a wide range of expertise (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).

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