Window Of Opportunity is a programme which will give space and support to people and businesses with ideas, which are viable alternatives to the traditional high street retail stores.

The call out is for short term pop-ups; but the programme acts as a springboard for ideas which have the potential to work as a permanent idea. It also will enable Vacancy Atlas and their partners Nudge & Real Ideas to research and test potential frameworks to be used in Plymouth.

Vacancy Atlas have previously used their space to host a variety of different ideas from artists and businesses. A lot of these were through the ‘Meanwhile Use’ programme, which has since ended, but some of the projects which took place during this programme are interesting examples of what ‘alternative uses’ of high street space may look like.

We have listed below some examples of alternative use’ on Plymouth’s high street:

01 - Colossal by Sue Lewry

Sue is a Plymouth-based printmaker whose practice centres on collaborative making and photo collage. Sue runs her print studio in Plymouth, making high-quality, affordable print pieces alongside continued experimentation with paper and textile processes, including woodwork and doll-making.

In September 2022, Sue brought ‘Colossal’ - an innovative mobile print workshop which Sue designed and constructed, to Vacancy!. This colourful, playful, conversational project intends to bring print to the people, highlighting accessible, hands-on forms of engagement and igniting creativity in others through the agile art form of print.

During the week that she was in the shop, Sue ran several workshops available for the public to attend, and created a pop-up exhibition out of the work that was produced.

“Bringing projects like this onto the high street shows and reveals the cultural activities that are happening with the creative communities that are evolving in Plymouth”
- Sue Lewry

02 - Hidden Art Gallery

In August 2022, Hidden Art Gallery popped up on cornwall Street. Curated by artist and curator Billy Finch, the pop-up gallery aimed to showcase the work of three Plymouth artists – Isis, Tom Bird and Cormack Reid. Billy’s aim is to show off the work of up-and-coming artists and give them a public facing platform.

This use of the shop engages the public with the art which is displayed in the space, and enables people to see what local creatives are producing without having to go out of their way to find out about it. The use of the high street is key to the artist’s works reaching new audiences.

“I started the gallery to showcase local professional artists and people who want to make a living out of being an artist to the people of Plymouth. Last year I heard about the Meanwhile Use scheme through Plymouth Culture, aimed at filling empty spaces in Plymouth and I thought that a gallery space would be an excellent way to fill an empty shop.”
- Billy Finch

03 - Owen Makes Pottery Launch

Owen is a local ceramicist who launched his company ‘Owen Makes’ with an event and pop-up shop in the Vacancy! high street shop. At the time Owen was a student, close to graduating, and wanted to do something to kick start his business before he left university.

This example of a successful use of our shop demonstrates that there is not a requirement for high street spaces to be used by a well established business or individuals; it can also work in favour of testing out new ideas or showcasing local creative talent or non-commercially produced crafts.

“I was able to have the chance to experience what it’s like to have your own shop and trade as an individual, as well as letting me meet a lot of other creatives and do some collaborations on some other art pieces. It's the first time i’ve been in a place where people can actually come in and see my work and it's been really nice being able to see how they react to it and what they take away from it.”
- Owen Makes

04 - MEND Sewing Workshops

Starting as a sewing beginner in 2017, after making her own handmade wardrobe, Emma was inspired to educate others on how to do the same. Mend Sewing now offer workshops and classes to give you the skills and techniques to design and create your own well-fitting handmade wardrobe.

Sewing not only helps us to be kinder to the planet through removing the manufacturing and transit of garments, but helps us to design our own clothes and make them more resilient.

Emma launched her sewing classes and workshops in out pop up shop Vacancy! In October 2022 with a weekend pop up testing lots of different ideas.