This autumn has been an especially busy and exciting time for us – not only are the renovations of the third floor wrapping up, but we have also been working behind the scenes on a new initiative for the event space on the ground floor! This November, it will begin its transition into Paisley’s newest creative space, the Studio at Paisley Mill.
From the day that Natures Millworks closed its doors several years ago, we have always hoped that art would somehow find its way back into the Mill in a more permanent way. Recently, we were approached by local artist and former Paisley resident, Niki Sutherland, with the concept for a direction that the event space might take. We knew instantly that it was the seed we wanted to plant.
Niki shares our passion for collective care and the belief that art plays an integral role in the health of a community. She also knows first-hand the challenge that rural living can pose for contemporary artists in finding professional or collaborative opportunities and connections. By establishing the events room as a place for artistic intervention, our is aim is to provide a uniquely accessible, affordable, and well-maintained space for the vast and varied network of artists in the Grey Bruce area to generate professional opportunities and community engagement.
The versatility of the room allows for it to remain available to book for any nature of event,
however, this new initiative will see subsidized rental rates available to artists and creatives so they can take the wheel. We envision pop-up exhibitions, workshops, performances, and artist talks -the possibilities for activating the space are truly endless! Poetry slam? Open mic night? Film screenings? We are beyond excited to see what the creative minds of our community will manifest.
For availability and rates, head to our studio page. For any further information, questions, or ideas, please email our coordinating director Niki at nicoleanne.sutherland@gmail.com.