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1 nomination from readers

• The town centre was becoming almost derelict – turning into a wasteland of empty shops. At the same time there was a wealth of young artists, musicians and performers in the town unable to get the first leg up and get onto the radar of the professional arts world. We wanted to take over empty shops and turn them into gallery and performance spaces – giving artists the opportunity to show their work but also to bring art to people who wouldn’t normally see it, interrupting their retail footfall with something beautiful, exquisite and challenging. Ultimately, we wanted to move beyond this, to become more than a repository for art in Colchester but to become a catalyst for new art.

  People walk in every day and compliment us on just being there, offering an alternative experience, away from the bleak industry of struggling economy and the empty embrace of consumerism, to thank us for bringing art and music into their lives. Artists and performers strive to excel, to create work for the space, and are being given to opportunity to reach new audiences and thrive in a professional gallery environment.

  We have had some beautiful moments with new audience development – middle class opera goers tapping their feet to young but excellent punk bands, young people learning about the ancient crafts of lace and embroidery work…...

  The project has been so successful that it has just been extended for another six months. We are now moving on in our artistic remit and beginning to commission art rather than just respond to it. Forthcoming commissioned exhibitions include ‘Blood on the Snow: the real meaning of Christmas’ and ‘The decay and rebirth of Colchester.’ We are also being approached by other local landlords and property owners to put art and performance into their empty spaces.

  Nominated by Abigail Cheverst, 16 September 2009

86 comments from readers

• This is an amazing project, which i am grateful to be a part of not juft for my own practice but for the enablement the project gives to all artists from many genres in our locale. I am proud of Will and the core group of memnbers who set up the project and the many volunteers who help to keep it going. The professionalism of all involved whether an organiser, volunteer, artist, musician, poet etc is of a very high standard, we are going from strength to strength and long may it last.

  Submitted by sioux jordan, 20 September 2009

• I fully support the above commentators, as a local resident and a Council worker who is involved in making the place more liveable. SlackSpace has created an "organic" link between local artists and public profile which I and my colleagues in the Council are belatedly going to pick up on with the redevelopment of a 22,500 ft2 building in the Town Centre which should be open around Easter 2010. Slackspace will have a further place there and artists - up and coming and established - can co-locate and further build the statistical fact that Colchester has the most Creative and Media businesses in Essex and 1 in 14 of its population is already involved in this sector. Onwards and upwards!

  Jim

  Submitted by Jim Leask, 21 September 2009

• I add my support to the above nomination. Slack Space Colchester is an amazing project. I have always had a fondness for Colchester and have watched with sadness as shops become empty. Now as an artist I have been able to contribute, along with many others to putting some life back into the town. The sense of community and pride is palpable at the Slack Space main venue. This is a fantastic project, fighting the recession with the determination that community, people, art and music are more important than money.

  Submitted by Michele Webber, 21 September 2009

• The work and effort everyone has put into launching a Slack Space in Colchester is incredible - I have huge admiration for all those involved, who have shown commitment and drive to bring much needed culture and creativity back into their local community.

  This project is a prime example of grass roots enterprise. It shows how, with a little unity and co-ordination, people on the ground can take control and do something for themselves. It demonstrates how we don't always have to wait for things to fall on our laps from the top.

  I can only see this project going from strength to strength, and thats down to the individuals involved.

  I hope this award nomination empowers the core team to push the boundaries of creativity even further and continue taking art into the community in ways in which other arts organisations can only dream.

  Submitted by Marc De'ath, 21 September 2009

• Slack Space is a fabulous project which has helped to transform the rapidly degenerating town centre into a more appealing place to visit for people of all ages, abilities and ethnicities. Not only does it create vibrant spaces in previously empty and potentially vandalised properties, it provides an excellent platform for local people to showcase their artistic talents. I sincerely hope that this project will be able to grow and reach its full potential.

  Submitted by Karen, 21 September 2009

• Wow!

  Slack Space Colchester has been a breath of fresh air... it has made art accessible to all and has done it in a way that has made it possible for all to be involved... something more established arts organisations have been trying to foster and develop unsuccessfully for years. Slack Space has engaged with youth culture and the young brilliantly with graffitti art and breakdancing workshops, it has included art work made by people with a learning disability who are in the whole marginalised in all areas of life... so it has been a part in breaking down massive social barriers, there has been photo's andf displays centred on local football culture bringing in new visitors who wouldn't normally have viewed 'art', it has dispayed work made by elderly community groups... to name but a few of their shows... i haven't even mentioned their broad range of support offered to local musical talent... from left of centre hip hop to folk! all of this on a shoestring. Slack space deserves recogniton and support.

  it has been an amzing adition to Essex.... the kind of thing i would have expected to see in forward thinking cities like Bristol, Brighton Birmingham or Manchester... Please give them some recognition and please continue to support this fabulous arts collective!

  keep up the good work Slackers!

  Submitted by Ryasn Jones, 21 September 2009

• We are run a fully professionally staffed venue in Colchester - Colchester Arts Centre, but we cannot hope to accommodate all the creativity and talent in the town. The slack space crew really have the spirit and enthusiasm that's needed to make it work. They are inventive, creative generous and gracious and its a joy to have them in the town.

  Submitted by Anthony Roberts, 21 September 2009

• I am amazed at,and proud of all those involved in the achievement that SlackSpace Colchester has made towards the social cohesion and the , cultural and economic well being of the town. An artist’s collective managing to pull together all the tortuous strands of commerce, property owners, existing arts providers and local authorities together in such a harmonious way is astounding enough: but to have done it to such a professional standard, and to have involved all sections of the community from the established arts community to the football supporter’s club. takes the achievement to another level altogether. I cannot praise the professionalism of this group highly enough.

  When you enter SlackSpace, it is a real gallery: clean, bright, beautifully presented: there are comfortable sofas and things to read: a haven for the shopper, who use it very well, and yes, stay to see the art. Yet this gallery is humming with embroidery workshops, dance classes, musicians, printmakers, of all ages and social backgrounds.

  Submitted by Dorian Kelly, 21 September 2009

• SlackSpace Colchester is an energetic innovative Upstart initiative! They're doing great things for community - fully support the team.

  Wendy Bailey, Chairman, Destination Colchester

  Submitted by wendy bailey, 21 September 2009

• This is a very good thing for Colchester it brings more art and culture directly to the people in the town centre and involves artists more directly with their community.

  Submitted by Lesley croxford, 21 September 2009

• This is a very good thing for Colchester it brings more art and culture directly to the people in the town centre and involves artists more directly with their community.

  Submitted by Lesley croxford, 21 September 2009

• This is a very good thing for Colchester it brings more art and culture directly to the people in the town centre and involves artists more directly with their community.

  Submitted by Lesley croxford, 21 September 2009

• Slack Space Colchester is a vibrant and exciting addition to the town centre. It has successfully put art - in all forms - right into the heart of the retail area, providing a much needed relief from the consumerism that sits around it.

  By being friendly and approachable, Slack Space has introduced art to a whole new audience.

  It is also a fantastic networking opportunity for artists in the community.

  Submitted by Vicki Weitz, 21 September 2009

• This has to be one of the best projects I've ever seen in Colchester, not only that but the members put an extraodinary amount of effort into it, and are the most genuine, nicest people you'll ever meet.

  It also helps get artists' names around and promotes all sorts of different types of art.

  Submitted by Ciara Jack, 21 September 2009

• SlackSpace Colchester has succeeded where others have failed, (including me!); a fantastic testimony to their talent and determination.

  Their efforts are injecting much-needed life, culture and interest into what would otherwise be empty shops and blank frontages, and are thereby enriching the Colchester town centre experience.

  Forza SlackSpace!

  Submitted by Simon Taylor, 21 September 2009

• Slacp Space is a brilliant idea. It livens up the town centre, is exciting and unexpected and accessible to all.

  Submitted by Birgitte Bennett, 21 September 2009

• Slack Space is providing an art space for a town-wide festival Black history Month, they have been most professional and helpful at all steps of the way in helping us organise the events. A co-operative art gallery in the centre of town with willing volunteers and a brilliant programme of exhibitions and events, and an assest to the cultural life of Colchester.

  Submitted by Daisy Lees, 21 September 2009

• What a fantastic idea and Slack space is e breath of fresh air for a lacklustre town centre, Bring on Colchester's fantastic new VAF building.

  Submitted by Rob Sims, 21 September 2009

• slack space is a well needed place in colchester. it brings together all those that have enthusiasm and passion for the arts but the not the budget to facilitate it. a great job is done by all the volunteers....lets hope they cna continue.

  Submitted by hazel harvey, 21 September 2009

• Slack Space is getting art out of the gallery and into the streets ...

  art should not just be for the 'elite' few ...

  IT SHOULD BE FOR EVERYONE!

  Well done Slack Space

  Submitted by Paula MacGregor, 21 September 2009

• Colchester is a fantastic town, with a wealth of creative talent. The Slack space team have negotiated with local businesses, Colchester's Borough Council and regional cultural providers to create a space where that talent is nurtured and then presented before a public in a professional, coherent and enjoyable way. WELL DONE!

  Submitted by Pasco-Q Kevlin Artistic Director Lakeside Theatre, 22 September 2009

• An excellent project with people of all ages and communities working together.

  Submitted by Jan Plummer, 22 September 2009

• Slack Space Colchester has put in over 4500 volunteer hours since setting up in March, and has had nearly 5000 visitors in the first three months of opening its first empty shop. A range of artists and performaers have been involved including established artists, emerging artists and artists with learning difficulties and disability.

  This week has seen teh successful exhibition of Rebirth through Decay and the work on the old football ground at Layer Road has opened up the gallery experience to Football fans.

  Where it was once a repository for existing local art, Slack Space is now a catalyst for new art and new audiences.

  Submitted by Will Wright, 22 September 2009

• It's important to remember that Slackspace is a dynamic evolving concept - those who've heard the hints of what's to come will agree that there's still much to look forward to.

  A fantastic addition to the town...

  Submitted by Ade, 22 September 2009

• Slack Space is a real gift to our town Colchester. every time i visit i am welcomed into a warm and happening atmosphere that is regularly changing. By very dedicated and hard working volunteers, i learn so much and have totally enjoyed workshops such as lace making and textile jewellery making, that i would never have gone out of my way to try before. Slack Space is invaluable to Colchester's arts culture, it supports, inspires such a wide range of arts. my son of 8 particularly enjoys the break-dancing classes on a Friday evening, the range of ages, audiences, and arts, that Slack Space reach is phenomenal. it really is a great project, i hope they can continue with this promising project. and i hope they can find funding to further enrich this project to, and continue to find much needed support from the community.

  Submitted by keziah osborne, 22 September 2009

• Slack Space is a real gift to our town Colchester. every time i visit i am welcomed into a warm and happening atmosphere that is regularly changing. By very dedicated and hard working volunteers, i learn so much and have totally enjoyed workshops such as lace making and textile jewellery making, that i would never have gone out of my way to try before. Slack Space is invaluable to Colchester's arts culture, it supports, inspires such a wide range of arts. my son of 8 particularly enjoys the break-dancing classes on a Friday evening, the range of ages, audiences, and arts, that Slack Space reach is phenomenal. it really is a great project, i hope they can continue with this promising project. and i hope they can find funding to further enrich this project to, and continue to find much needed support from the community.

  Submitted by keziah osborne, 22 September 2009

• Slack Space is a real gift to our town Colchester. every time i visit i am welcomed into a warm and happening atmosphere that is regularly changing. By very dedicated and hard working volunteers, i learn so much and have totally enjoyed workshops such as lace making and textile jewellery making, that i would never have gone out of my way to try before. Slack Space is invaluable to Colchester's arts culture, it supports, inspires such a wide range of arts. my son of 8 particularly enjoys the break-dancing classes on a Friday evening, the range of ages, audiences, and arts, that Slack Space reach is phenomenal. it really is a great project, i hope they can continue with this promising project. and i hope they can find funding to further enrich this project to, and continue to find much needed support from the community.

  Submitted by keziah osborne, 22 September 2009

• Slack Space is a real gift to our town Colchester. every time i visit i am welcomed into a warm and happening atmosphere that is regularly changing. By very dedicated and hard working volunteers, i learn so much and have totally enjoyed workshops such as lace making and textile jewellery making, that i would never have gone out of my way to try before. Slack Space is invaluable to Colchester's arts culture, it supports, inspires such a wide range of arts. my son of 8 particularly enjoys the break-dancing classes on a Friday evening, the range of ages, audiences, and arts, that Slack Space reach is phenomenal. it really is a great project, i hope they can continue with this promising project. and i hope they can find funding to further enrich this project to, and continue to find much needed support from the community.

  Submitted by keziah osborne, 22 September 2009

• Slack Space is a real gift to our town Colchester. every time i visit i am welcomed into a warm and happening atmosphere that is regularly changing. By very dedicated and hard working volunteers, i learn so much and have totally enjoyed workshops such as lace making and textile jewellery making, that i would never have gone out of my way to try before. Slack Space is invaluable to Colchester's arts culture, it supports, inspires such a wide range of arts. my son of 8 particularly enjoys the break-dancing classes on a Friday evening, the range of ages, audiences, and arts, that Slack Space reach is phenomenal. it really is a great project, i hope they can continue with this promising project. and i hope they can find funding to further enrich this project to, and continue to find much needed support from the community.

  Submitted by keziah osborne, 22 September 2009

• Slack Space is a real gift to our town Colchester. every time i visit i am welcomed into a warm and happening atmosphere that is regularly changing. By very dedicated and hard working volunteers, i learn so much and have totally enjoyed workshops such as lace making and textile jewellery making, that i would never have gone out of my way to try before. Slack Space is invaluable to Colchester's arts culture, it supports, inspires such a wide range of arts. my son of 8 particularly enjoys the break-dancing classes on a Friday evening, the range of ages, audiences, and arts, that Slack Space reach is phenomenal. it really is a great project, i hope they can continue with this promising project. and i hope they can find funding to further enrich this project to, and continue to find much needed support from the community.

  Submitted by keziah osborne, 22 September 2009

• How could we not give our backing to such an amazing project...a worthy endeavour on every level. Wish them huge success and all the luck in the world.

  Submitted by Carl Seager, 23 September 2009

• Slack Space is an amazing project that has brought life and hope back into the town centre. I for one feel privileged to have been allowed to be a part of it. As the space has changed over time there's been such a selection of sights and sounds with something to engage everyone, and amazing activities to get involved in. I love it!

  Submitted by Michael Jiggens, 23 September 2009

• Although I'm only 13 I have been welcomed onto the Slack Space committee, and am helping with music submissions. As a young person I know how hard it can be to find somewhere to play, so we try to help out bands who would otherwise have no-where to play. I am currently working on trying to get art work from a local secondary school into the shop. Slack Space has really brought the town center to life!

  Submitted by Malachi Siner-Cheverst, 23 September 2009

• Slack Space have brightened the town up no end. At a time of depression and recession they have given our town such a boost - good luck to them!

  Submitted by Cllr Sue Lissimore, 23 September 2009

• Slackspace has been a real success in Colchester, run off the back of creative talent, and energy and passion for our town. Slackspace has brought life and vitality to empty shops through art displays as well as a monthly events programme. But it’s not only local businesses who have been supported, or the townspeople who have been engaged; Slackspace has really gone about bringing together artists and creative talent to shout about what Colchester can be. There’s such a welcome spirit of collaboration in the cultural scene these days that’s giving this place a buzz.

  Here’s hoping the next 6 months of Slackspace are even better for this town and that Slackspace are recognised as the true Upstarts that they are.

  Submitted by Josie Worner, 24 September 2009

• Slackspace has been a real success in Colchester, run off the back of creative talent, and energy and passion for our town. Slackspace has brought life and vitality to empty shops through art displays as well as a monthly events programme. But it’s not only local businesses that have been supported, or the townspeople who have been engaged; Slackspace has really gone about bringing together artists and creative talent to shout about what Colchester can be. There’s such a welcome spirit of collaboration in the cultural scene these days that’s giving this place a buzz.

  Here’s hoping the next 6 months of Slackspace are even better for this town and that Slackspace are recognised as the true Upstarts that they are.

  Submitted by Josie Worner, 24 September 2009

• If you need a positive definition of "upstart" then Slackspace Colchester is it. The team have made something from nothing and the result is inspired. The idea fits the historic town like a well worn glove and is very welcome and appreciated by the local community and visitors alike.

  Submitted by Carl Banks, 24 September 2009

• Happy to be involved with these guys - the mission is a good one & it's all about the networks which we can all help to evolve, etc etc etc blah.

  !! D I Y !!

  Submitted by Will Phuq, 24 September 2009

• A fantasistic site and with such an aray of different art forms being given a chance to exhibert themselves this site is not just serving as a creatyive outlet but also serving to keep our town alive

  Submitted by Dean Jones, 25 September 2009

• Cannot put sufficiently into words the immense cultural and spiritual value of Slack Space. Everyone in Colchester benefits whether they realise it or not; a whole new generation of artists are being inspired while I write this and many more are waking up or re-discovering their creativity. Love you guys.

  Submitted by Loz Hallam, 25 September 2009

• Slack Space is a fantastic project & hugely successful, enjoyable & creative. Well done & thank you to everyone involved!!!

  Submitted by Kate Deyn, 26 September 2009

• A brilliant Idea and one that other towns and cities would benefit greatly from emulating

  Submitted by Magnus Jarlson, 28 September 2009

• It's hard work but a great project to be involved with. The comments on this site are the kind of thing that keep us slackers going. It's amazing what can be achieved when people work together. What a fabulous community and great art too!There's much more to come so keep watching and vote for upstart slackers!

  Submitted by Tracey Johnson, 29 September 2009

• I think its quite re-assuring to see projects like Slack Space Colchester Springing up. It's important to get the community back in touch with their creative side. Slack Space also highlights the need for creativity and culture in a society that is geared so much towards commerce! Makes you think that in some small way perhaps the recession was a blessing in disguise. Well done Slack Space!

  Submitted by Beccy Smith, 29 September 2009

• slackspace Colchester has done phenomenally well.

  Submitted by Pam Schomberg, 29 September 2009

• When I'm not making shoes or spinning hay into gold you will find me in slack Space. I think it's brilliant what everyone has done so far and we are all just getting warmed up. I'm looking forward to what is yet to come.

  Word

  Submitted by Slack Space Pixie, 29 September 2009

• When I'm not making shoes or spinning hay into gold you will find me in slack Space. I think it's brilliant what everyone has done so far and we are all just getting warmed up. I'm looking forward to what is yet to come.

  Word

  Submitted by Slack Space Pixie, 29 September 2009

• Really excited to see the work which has gone on, makes going back for visits to Colchester all the more worthwhile :-) I've used Slackspace Colchester as an example for developing the empty shops in my own local authority- your work has been spread across west london!

  Submitted by Kris Holliday, 29 September 2009

• It is not really mentioned enough that Colchester has a vibrant art scene, effectively making the town the cultural centre of Essex. Slackspace not only adds to the heady atmosphere of the town, but also creates an accessible and eye-catching exhibition space in the town centre that fosters both diverse experimentation and a wideranging audience. A huge congratulations and thank you to all those that have organized Slackspace and volunteer there is very much in order.

  Submitted by Matthew Bowman, 29 September 2009

• It's good to see some one putting life back into an empty shop. There are too many empty units in towns and a property needs to breathe.

  Giving people the opportunity to show their art, where perhaps they can not else where and giving youngsters something good and creative to do at the same time, can only be a good thing.

  More towns should be doing the same thing if they are not dropping the rent to allow new and small businesses to occupy the empty properties.

  Submitted by Adam Gibbs, 29 September 2009

• more please!

  Submitted by Carfull, 29 September 2009

• It is a marvellous and exciting venture - underground, experimental but also accessible art in the middle of Colchester.

  Submitted by Harvey Taylor, 29 September 2009

• I am one of many local artists who have welcomed the opportunity to show some of my work and be involved in this great endeavour.Whilst taking my turn at being 'on duty' in Slack Space I have discovered first hand the effect it has on the general public and how much they appreciate and enjoy what is going on here. Support for the project is overwhelming!

  Submitted by Rosa Mackinder, 29 September 2009

• Slackspace are bringing it back to the masses. There is life in Peckham

  Submitted by Rael Dawtry, 29 September 2009

• SlackSpace has made a major change to the entire Colcheter art scene. It provides facilites and an arena for local artists. It has been instrumenmtal in bringing a mini-renaissance in the arts to Colchester. Many local artists have come together and in the exchange of information and ideas there will be many beneficial spin offs. It has shown a great way forward that many more town centres could benfit from.

  Submitted by Derek Wray, 29 September 2009

• Slackspace really kicks ass!

  Keep up the good work you slackers.

  Submitted by Brian Johnson, 29 September 2009

• Slackspace

  For The Win!!

  Submitted by Stella, 29 September 2009

• May Slackspace go from strength to strength - it is a real asset to the town.

  Submitted by Gilly Burrell, 29 September 2009

• May Slackspace go from strength to strength - it is a real asset to the town.

  Submitted by Gilly Burrell, 29 September 2009

• An amazing, inspirational and uplifting project in these hard financial times!

  Submitted by brad swainland, 29 September 2009

• this project has developed at an astonishing rate, which i can only put down to the willpower, determination and incredible dedication of all participants. it was an honour to have been part of the last show, which was curated and displayed to a very professional standard. as well as the visual arts, they put on all kinds of cultural events - music, poetry, live and performance art; these many and varied mini-festivals make slackspace a cultural force to be reckoned with, and a breath of fresh air in colchester's commercial heart.

  Submitted by lisa tc, 29 September 2009

• Slackspace. An amazing, inspirational and uplifting project in these hard financial times!

  Submitted by brad swainland, 29 September 2009

• Slackspace. An amazing, inspirational and uplifting project in these hard financial times!

  Submitted by brad swainland, 29 September 2009

• Slackspace. An amazing, inspirational and uplifting project in these hard financial times!

  Submitted by brad swainland, 29 September 2009

• Slackspace. An amazing, inspirational and uplifting project in these hard financial times!

  Submitted by brad swainland, 29 September 2009

• Any opportunity for art to be seen and/or experienced by everyone is good as it takes people out of the mundanity of every day and invites people to think for themselves. This is an inspired project and definitely should be encouraged.

  Submitted by Caroline Moiret, 29 September 2009

• Slackspace is an inspirational project, I really hope it gets the award it deserves for all the faith the organizers have put into local community and its artists.

  Submitted by Mariya Ustymenko, 29 September 2009

• Visiting Slackspace and attending some of its countless well organised events, has always been a pleasure.

  The effort and creativity will be rewarded sooner or later, but hopefully for maintaining a high motivational spirit it'll happen sooner :).

  Submitted by Bogdan S., 29 September 2009

• Well done in showing the cultural side of the Essex boys and Girls

  Submitted by John Mitchell, 29 September 2009

• Well done in showing the cultural side of the Essex boys and Girls

  Submitted by John Mitchell, 29 September 2009

• Well done in showing the cultural side of the Essex boys and Girls

  Submitted by John Mitchell, 29 September 2009

• Thank you SlackSpace for adding that little bit of difference to Colchester Town Centre. It's always worth a detour past your windows to check out the new art shows...and we were delighted to join in when we showed our "Iguanas Eating Colchester" exhibit. Keep it going....we need SlackSpace and the best thing about it is that it is organic and non hierarchical and hopefully will remain that way. Let's keep art flourishing in Colchester!!!!

  Submitted by Jane Ostler & ArtCo @LeveLBestArtCafe, 29 September 2009

• Thank you SlackSpace for adding that little bit of difference to Colchester Town Centre. It's always worth a detour past your windows to check out the new art shows...and we were delighted to join in when we showed our "Iguanas Eating Colchester" exhibit. Keep it going....we need SlackSpace and the best thing about it is that it is organic and non hierarchical and hopefully will remain that way. Let's keep art flourishing in Colchester!!!!

  Submitted by Jane Ostler & ArtCo @LeveLBestArtCafe, 29 September 2009

• An empty shop transformed in a hive of activity, featuring everything from live theatre to a display of football photos. All done by voulenteers really making a difference to the town.

  Submitted by paul smith, 29 September 2009

• Slackspace provides an excellent opportunity for artists to showcase their work and a great opportunity for art to be experienced by everyone. There are too many empty units in town & this site is not just serving as a creative outlet but also helping to keep our town centre alive.

  Long may it continue.

  Submitted by Jean Muir, 30 September 2009

• A fantastic underground development in the midst of huzzle and buzzle of commercialised Colchester. Very refreshing experimental happening, run by highly committed volunteers, for creative means and sociabilities.

  Submitted by Flisan Beard, 30 September 2009

• Slack Space is a fantastic initiative, really emphasising Colchester as a community and helping to put the heart back into that community. There is a great deal of talent out there, it's great to have an organisation that can and will allow that talent to blossom.

  Submitted by Jo Harding, 30 September 2009

• Slack Space is what Colchester needed. It’s positive, creative and exciting. Artist are given a chance to share they’re artistic ability and as a result bringing locals together. It’s inspirational to all that attend. Well done and thank you!!!

  Submitted by Jessica Fletcher, 30 September 2009

• A fantastic idea that deserves Colchester's support. Integrating art, music and other creative ideals whilst making use of otherwise idle properties - how could this not be a good thing for Colchester? SLACKSPACE is a revolutionary step forward in entertainment and culture, which sets Colchester as a shining example throughout the country.

  Submitted by John Brook, 30 September 2009

• Slack Space is a concept which I applaud. Those involved can be rightly proud of what has been achieved. In addition to the praise which others have given (in particular the words of wisdom and encouragement from Anthony Roberts) I would like to include Colchester Borough Council for (I am advised) giving Business Rates relief) and the East of England Co-operative Society, our locally-owned ethical business whom we should all support, for generously making the premises available.

  - from Bob Russell, MP for Colchester

  Submitted by Bob Russell MP, 30 September 2009

• what a brilliant project, so many genres available to so many people, its so important to have project that is acssesable to so many . keep up the grand work.

  Submitted by glenn prigmore, 30 September 2009

• Slack Space is a true reflection of the vibrant creative community that Colchester is. Nationally Slack Space is an exemplar- an initiative with vision bringing a range of activities to a redundant town centre space. firstsite is delighted to be fostering this initiative as a key part of its artists support programme - enabling the use of the premises, supporting Colchester based artists and developing this new social enterprise and creative community.

  Submitted by katherine wood, firstsite, 30 September 2009

• Fab project, so many artists involved and such a resource for the people of Colchester.

  Submitted by Chris Andrews, 01 October 2009

• I am proud to have played albeit a very small part in enabling the start of slackspace. It has become a vibrant, innovative centre for all types of art in a depressed part of town, enjoyed by all age groups and many people who would not normally enter an art gallery. When I visit there is a warm welcome,informality and much to admire and enjoy.Congratulations to the dedicated team who have put it together, and long may it thrive! Thank you

  Submitted by Cllr Nigel Offen, Colchester Borough CouncilI, 01 October 2009

• I like art and think it is good. We are all evolving and so do shops. Art is a higher form of life. It is therefore no surprise that shops evolve into art-spaces.

  Submitted by Martin Croxford, 01 October 2009

• Got good stand up comedy/music set under the guize of Bob Skull, with an electric upright double bass and harmonica, wanna rock and get some feed back, written two albums worth, sort of Daganem dustbin style.

  ----joke example----- "pulled this bird the other day wouldnt say she was posh but I gave her lobsters she gave me crabs!" half way through two film scripts and got four books on the go, good sculpter and love to work with pastels, what more can i say. Would work for free, heavy set intelligent and polite man and would love some feed back on my material.

  Thanks, Guy parobij.

  See that Mr ledger that played the joker, I think I could do the same with the riddler.......praps? Any way wanna roll the dice I have and am up for it.

  Submitted by Guy Benjamin Parobij, 09 November 2009