Slack space

Artists' creative use of vacant shops brings life to desolate high streets.

Non-fiction has turned to ‘pirate property development’ lately, temporarily occupying one empty space and developing plans for one more. And we’re in good company. Many other creative people are finding opportunities to bring new life to old buildings.

The Guardian reports on a growing number of British artists and curators who have begun colonising “slack space” (disused shops and other abandoned buildings), freed up by the recession and are transforming vacant shops into “creative squats”, community cafes, galleries and studios.

It’s time to expand our business overseas, before the exchange rate of the Euro against the Pound starts sliding again.