Being surrounded by the sea and ever changing light and weather at The Booth was immensely inspiring. The focused environment and studio where so many others have created work proved to be highly productive. I loved every minute! – Gail Turpin, visual artist
Artists working in all disciplines are welcome to apply to stay at The Booth, Scalloway. Some residents have made use of the art making facilities on the island such as printmaking, ceramics and textile facilities during their stay.
The Booth consists of a combined ‘clean’ working area and living space which is located on the upper level and a stone-walled basement for more ‘dirty’ work. The living accommodation has a fully fitted kitchen, washing machine/tumble dryer and a bathroom with a fully accessible shower. There is a bed space located above the kitchen/bathroom, the sofa also opens up into a double bed and towels and bedlinen are provided.
Residency
rent and bookings
Bookings for The Booth run for one month or two weeks at a time. Please state your preferred month(s) in your application and we will try to accommodate this.
Full information on The Booth including renting and booking details can be found by clicking the yellow tab below, or you can contact lettings@waspsstudios.org.uk if you have any specific questions or concerns.
location
The Shetland Islands are the most northerly part of the United Kingdom and are located 150 miles north of the Scottish mainland. They are made up of 15 islands which are home to 24,000 people. The islands have an ancient history, stunning landscape, close links with Scandinavia and a unique culture with a long tradition of music and craftmaking.
Scalloway is the ancient capital of Shetland and is located on the west side of the Shetland mainland. It is a picturesque village which is home to just over a thousand people and is also a working village with a large pier which is used by fishing boats and other vessels.
being a wasps tenant
With over 40 years worth of expertise, we are the UK’s largest provider of studio space for artists and creative industries.
Tenants of the Wasps community receive the following benefits:
- An inclusive rent for artists (separate to the electricity surcharge)
- Studio security – all our buildings are either owned or on long term rentals across the estate
- 24/7 access all year round (excluding hot-desking memberships)
- Being part of our community of almost 1,000 artists and creatives based in 20 buildings across Scotland
- Ability to join the Own Art scheme through Wasps – Own Art allows for an artist’s clients to spread the cost of an artwork priced from £100 to £25,000 over 10 months with no interest. Using Own Art can help you close that extra sale – turning a £500 artwork into a more affordable proposition of £50 per month, for example
- Support and expertise from Wasps’ staff
- Promotion on the Wasps website (receiving tens of thousands of visitors per month) with an self-managed artist profile and shop through the community page
- Access to the Wasps Tenant Portal – an exclusive online platform for tenants to find out about updates and opportunities from across the network
- Exhibiting and selling opportunities through our arts programme including exhibitions across the network, discounted rates for market stalls, Open Studios events and inclusion in art fairs
accessibility & getting here
accessibility
There are steps leading to the building and visitors with disabilities may require some assistance.
address
The Booth
New Street
Scalloway
Shetland
ZE1 0TQ
getting here
The Booth can be reached by a twelve-hour boat journey from Aberdeen to Lerwick before travelling the six miles to Scalloway. Ferries from Scandinavia and flights from Norway are also available. Flights from other Scottish airports have routes to Sumburgh (twenty-five miles away from Scalloway) and to Lerwick (six miles from Scalloway). The Booth itself is easily located on the waterfront of Scalloway Harbour in the town.
