We are excited to share the roadmap for the next five years of Wasps. As Scotland’s first and biggest Creative Land Trust, our new strategic plan focuses on security, advocacy, and shared community. The strategic plan was put together based on tenant, staff and board feedback, through the tenants survey, the caucus event which had representatives from every building, a staff and board workshop, and in-depth research.
Our Purpose & Vision
Our Vision: A Scotland where space is increasingly held in trust as a shared resource, enabling thriving creative communities, delivering long-term public benefit, and caring for our environment.
Our Mission: To claim and steward space in Scotland for creative and civic use, holding it in trust so that artists and creativity can thrive for generations to come.
Our Core Values
These six pillars guide everything we do:
- – Stewardship: Caring for buildings and land for the long term.
- – Common Good: Holding spaces outside the commercial market for public benefit.
- – Creativity & Access: Ensuring opportunities remain accessible and affordable.
- – Independence: Protecting space for creatives to be bold and take risks.
- – Place-Based: Embedding local knowledge and environmental responsibility into our work.
- – Collaboration: Believing that lasting impact comes through open partnership
The Road Ahead
To achieve our goals, we have a clear focus on what we will maintain and where we will evolve:
What we will protect: Our 97% occupancy rate, secure and safe studio spaces, and our deep sense of community belonging.
How we are evolving: Diversified income streams, proactive investment in our buildings, and a stronger public narrative about our impact.
Building a better Wasps: Long-term financial planning, partnerships that broaden access for diverse artists, and internal organisational clarity
What is a Creative Land Trust and why does it matter?
We are a Creative Land Trust because we acquire, develop, and steward land and buildings specifically for creative and cultural use with an aim to increase access in perpetuity. By holding these spaces “in trust” as a shared resource, our model ensures they remain outside the commercial market for the common good.
This model is vital because it provides artists and makers with long-term security and affordable access to workspace, protecting them from the volatility of property markets. Ultimately, a Creative Land Trust acts as essential infrastructure that allows creative communities to thrive while delivering lasting public benefit and environmental care for generations to come.
Next Steps
We’re excited about the future of Wasps, and we hope you are too. As we look ahead, we’re continuing to grow and strengthen our arts programme through partnerships with inspiring organisations such as Artlink, Visual Arts Scotland and Craft Scotland. We’re also preparing to celebrate a major milestone – our 50th anniversary in 2027.
In the months ahead, we’ll be creating more opportunities for you to share your feedback, ideas and expertise. We encourage you to stay involved and get in touch. We’d love to hear your thoughts and continue shaping the future of Wasps together.
