Room 13 Studios, Caol

Room 13 is a purpose-built studio based in a community building in the village of Caol, facilitating creative activity among young people from Caol, Fort William and the Lochaber area.

With its own studios, equipment bank and a resident, professional artist, Room 13 is the only visual arts charity in the Scottish Highlands focusing solely on young people aged 8-25.  We provide free access to materials, creative support and a safe, welcoming space where young people build skills and confidence, grow aspirations, socialise, and explore their potential on their own terms while having fun.

Here, young people have access to well-lit, spacious studios with views down Loch Linnhe and up to Glen Nevis, the space is flexible and can be cleared for floorspace or set-up with work-tables; we have an etching and relief press, screen-printing kit, clay, plaster, wood, digital cameras, film and sound recording equipment, editing software, photoshop, typewriters, easels, paint, paper, canvas and a range of drawing materials.

Room 13 aims to nurture the unique creativity of the individual, encouraging them to be active members of a creative community. Beyond making art, the young people organise the studio, plan events and discuss opinions thus fostering a strong sense of purpose.

Studio users form 8-25 years old help design the programme to offer a range of creative experiences for their own diverse interests.  Work takes place in the studios, outdoors and online, and sessions happen during the school day, in young people’s own time after school, at weekends and during school holidays.

Lead Artist in Room 13 is Richard Bracken, who is there to guide, challenge and enable young people to grow as creative individuals.