Inkspot: Iconic Independence
- Holly Jenkins
- May 27, 2021
- 3 min read
Nestled on the outskirts of the city centre between Roath and Adamsdown, is a big and beautiful church building whose structure was designed to accommodate live music, long before its conversion into an arts & crafts shop or its subsequent transition into a live music venue for hire. INKSPOT – the iconic church building hosting one of Cardiff’s last standing independent music & arts venues. Over recent years Inkspot has played host to a variety of music, art and community events, showcasing the broad diversity found in the Welsh capital.
Currently owned and run by Andy and Gil Lanning, Inkspot has been a family run business since 1986. During its time as an iconic independent arts and crafts shop the big church building provided space for local, national and international artists to mingle and showcase their work, alongside art studios, bespoke framing services and demonstration spaces. Sadly by 2016 the shop itself was no longer financially viable due to the rise of online shopping. This is when Andy and Gil decided to open the space to music-based activities and events, in order to create a more hands on multi-use venue. Andy is a professional artist whilst Gil has a background in music – putting their skills, talents and passion together they are working hard to keep Inkspot up and running.
As a community of creatives and lovers of art & music it is important that we have access to spaces such as Inkspot. Even more so following a year of lockdowns and social distancing, for the sake of the collective mindset and wellbeing of the community. Naturally the pandemic has taken its toll financially. When we caught up with Andy he explained how they currently have no income, relying on the good will of others to get by. Despite the stress of these circumstances they are remaining positive. Andy and Gil have been working hard throughout the pandemic to reshape the business to be able to accommodate Covid rules and regulations, their passion and dedication is heart-warming and inspirational.
Currently the venue has a variety of facilities available, including performance, rehearsal, recording and streaming spaces. Studios built to accommodate both musicians and artists requirements. Performance rooms are also available to hire as community group spaces, such as classes and meetings. Alongside this the building hosts a costume shop, a curiosity craft shop, and a curiosity emporium with space to showcase up-cycled furniture. Its central location boasts accessibility from all parts of Cardiff and for those coming from out of town. There is also a lot of potential for Inkspot to benefit the deprived housing areas surrounding the venue, which would have many positive knock-on effects. Maintaining this venue and allowing it to flourish is critical to the longevity of the local music and arts community, as well as to the local area in general. Without these performance spaces where will grassroots artists go to share their music/art with a live audience?
With many exciting plans in place for when Gil and Andy get the go ahead to officially re-open, the aim is to continue building a wholesome environment where creative expression is encouraged, where grassroots artists and community projects are supported. In Andy’s words…. “creating a space where you can briefly leave this mad, mad world behind. No corporations, no landlords, just us.”
To assist in keeping the venue up and running, the team at New Era Talent have been organising a mammoth fundraiser event – the Inkspot Fundraiser Online Festival. A 48hour live stream event with a hefty line up of local talent, featuring live artists and DJs, plus poetry, workshops, inspirational talks and more. Taking place on Saturday 3d & Sunday 4th July, the festival will be streamed on Twitch, YouTube and Facebook Live.
Keep up to date with the Inkspot Fundraiser Online Festival, The fundraiser is now active, donations can be made here:
Inkspot socials:
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