Spark Presents: Space to Develop
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Delivered in collaboration with Heartbreak Productions, Warwick District Council Arts Section is piloting a new opportunity for local creatives to access space for a single day of focused work.
Throughout May, North Hall at Spencer’s Yard in Leamington Spa will be made available free of charge for one-day use (9am–5pm) to artists and creatives living or working across Warwick District (Warwick, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth and Whitnash).
Each selected artist or creative will be offered access to the space for one full day to support rehearsal, making, experimentation, or development of work in progress.
The space is large, open and well-lit, suitable for a wide range of creative practices.
We know that access to space can be a barrier. This pilot is designed to test whether offering free, flexible day access can support creative development and unlock new ideas.
Available dates (9am – 5pm)
- Friday 1 May 2026
- Friday 8 May 2026
- Friday 15 May 2026
- Friday 22 May 2026
- Friday 29 May 2026
What you can use the space for
- Rehearsal and movement-based practice
- Making and developing work
- Testing ideas or work in progress
- Small-scale creative activity
Important information before applying
To ensure the space works for everyone, please note:
- The space must be used only for the activity described in your application
- You are responsible for your own activity, materials and participants
- The space must be left clean, tidy and reset at the end of the day
- No smoking is permitted anywhere in the building
- Capacity is limited (max. 100 people in the space)
- Fire exits and access routes must be kept clear at all times
- You cannot make alterations to the space or attach anything to walls/surfaces without permission
- Any damage to the space or equipment must be covered by the user
- Any equipment brought into the space is your responsibility
This opportunity is intended for creative development use only. It is not suitable for:
- public performances
- large-scale public events
- commercial hire activity
How to apply
To express interest, please complete our short expression of interest form:
About the pilot
This is a pilot activity. Feedback from participants will help shape how creative workspace opportunities are developed across Warwick District in future.
FAQs and Assessment Guide
- What is “Space to Develop”?
A pilot programme offering free, one-day access to workspace for artists and creatives to develop ideas, test work, or rehearse.
- Who can apply?
Artists and creatives who:- are aged 18 or over
- live or work in Warwick District
- would benefit from access to space
- What kind of activity is suitable?
- Work in progress
- Experimentation and development
- Rehearsal and making
- What type of work is it not suitable for?
- Public performances
- Ticketed events
- Commercial hire
- How will applications be assessed?
Applications will be reviewed by Warwick District Council Arts Section.
We will prioritise:- Clear benefit
- Suitability
- Range of practice
- Local connection
- How are spaces allocated?
- One full day (9am–5pm)
- One creative per day
- Not all applications may be successful
- Dates matched where possible
- Is this a competitive process?
This is a light-touch selection process aimed at fairness and access.
- Who manages the space?
Warwick District Council Arts Section manages applications and allocation. Heartbreak Productions manage the venue, building, and terms of use. All users must comply with Heartbreak Productions’ terms and conditions.
- Are there any additional costs?
While the space itself is free, any additional costs such as equipment hire, technical support, or other services must be covered by the user. If none of the above is required, then there are no further costs.
- Do I need insurance?
You are responsible for your own activity. Ensure your work is appropriate and covered where necessary.
- Will there be future opportunities?
This is a pilot. Feedback will inform future programmes.