The creation of Inverness Creative Academy was conducted in two phases; phase 1 was completed in November 2018 and brought the 1913 Arts and Science extension back into use as 30 new studio spaces for artists and makers. The first tenants moved into their studios in December 2018, and this part of the project was formally opened by Provost Helen Carmichael on 28th March 2019.
Phase 2 was opened in February 2022. For this, we restored the original 1895 Academy building – one of the finest listed buildings in Inverness – to complete the ‘creative industries’ wing of the project and transform the grand Assembly Hall into an inspiring public space. This stage saw us deliver a vibrant creative destination to serve the whole of the Highlands.
The two buildings provide 3,200 m2 in floor area and have the capacity to make a considerable contribution to local heritage regeneration, and to the growth of the wider creative economy in The Highlands. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the first major creative hub in The Highlands, building a central home for collaboration, production and opportunity.
Inverness Creative Academy has brought new life to the former Inverness Royal Academy Midmills buildings. Throughout the project, Wasps has been exploring the history behind these incredible buildings, and have discovered a few artefacts along the way. Read, watch and listen to find out more:
As part of the project, Wasps has been working to inform, educate and inspire people of all ages about the history on their doorstep. Find out about the activity Wasps has been delivering in the community:
Wasps’ revenue covers our core costs and enables us to provide artists and makers with workspaces at rents which they can afford. However, as a charity Wasps is dependent on funding and donations to enable all of its capital developments in the first instance. Donations to Inverness Creative Academy have been vital to the completion of Phase 2, and go towards supporting the creative talent in The Highlands and investing in the future of Inverness’ built heritage and creative economy.
If you would like to find out more about supporting the transformation of Midmills, please contact Wasps’ Funding and Partnerships Manager Edward White on 0141 553 5890 or email Edward.White@waspsstudios.org.uk.
There are a number of options to acknowledge your support of the development. You can donate securely with PayPal Giving Fund using the button below:
We would like to say a huge thank you to all the supporters of Inverness Creative Academy so far: