Welcome to Project Arts Dunfermline

It is surprising that a place of Dunfermline’s historical importance should be without a proper venue for its artists, creative professionals and its people, especially its young people. This town has a rich and proud history, but we believe its future is equally important. We know from the success stories of the regenerative effect of art centres in many other towns in the UK that the contemporary arts (and creative industries) hold an important key to a town’s future. That’s why we want to see an arts centre with a community  focus in Dunfermline.

After much research, we are convinced that the focal point should be the old Dunfermline Fire Station, an iconic building that could easily accommodate studios, offices, an exhibition space and a cafe.  This spacious, art deco building was designed by James Shearer who was an esteemed local architect. In 1936 it was built to serve and protect the people of this town. It is part of our local heritage and we feel that it should be retained for community use. Geographically, it is perfectly placed to become a diverse cultural hub that will help raise Dunfermline’s national profile.

A community arts centre would bring social, cultural and economic benefits to the West Fife area. It would provide opportunities for schools, an exhibition programme to educate and entertain, master-classes including life-drawing, art workshops for people with special needs, affordable studios for artists, photographers and jewellery makers. Offices for graphic designers and other creative industries.  Just imagine a great cultural beacon in an unmissable venue that says Dunfermline is the place to be.

So who would benefit from the creation of a community arts centre in Dunfermline? It would be easier to list those who wouldn’t.
Certainly, artists would benefit hugely, not only from having access to studio and workshop units but from having much-needed exhibition space on their doorstep.
An arts centre would also serve as a hub for the creative industries. It would be a vibrant base for people like craft workers, photographers and designers; a place to work, to do business and to share ideas.

What’s more, Dunfermline and West Fife already has a host of thriving arts organisations and community groups for whom a new centre would serve as an important focal point. Schools, too, would be able to make good use of an arts centre.
But, perhaps most importantly, an arts centre would serve all the people of Dunfermline and West Fife. Project Arts Dunfermline is determined to ensure that the centre’s doors are open to all … the young, the old, the disabled and the able-bodied. It would be a community in itself that serves the whole community.