Look Again ‘At This Place’ was a series of public interventions in vacant empty shop units across Aberdeen city centre. Working across multiple artforms, 10 projects animated and brought back necessary life, vibrancy, and a new energy into our challenged high streets and retail outputs. Visual art and design were at the heart of the engagement, working locally and nationally to ignite a more positive vibe onto the streets of Aberdeen.

Through many conversations, idea generation, exploration and economic motivations, an exciting programme was created to respond to and fill gaps in the city. This was done through experimental retail treatments, all of which continue to impact on the cultural tourism of our city. In our Project Charter for ACC’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan we indicated to increase a foothold in the city centre with cultural activity. This increased by 200% plus, impacting on individuals and organisations from the creative industries through increased income as a result of this programme.

Our interventions were short term pop-ups and a longer-term tenancy. EDIT by Deemouth Artist Studios traded in 34 Upper Kirkgate for 18 months (now located in the Bon Accord Centre) and 1-5 George Street was a space where creatives could test out multiple cultural experiences to see how the public responded and engaged.

Since November 2022, over 150 creatives from diverse backgrounds have been supported through the project, with over £60k generated for the creative economy. A highlight of the project has been working with LGBTQIA+ creatives to connect disconnected communities by bringing them together within a singular project, creating a new Queer Club experience for Aberdeen.

‘At This Place’ was supported by Aberdeen City Council’s Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery Fund (LACER) and delivered by Look Again, Gray’s School of Art on behalf of Culture Aberdeen.

"By working on projects that focus on the needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, we can help to promote greater awareness, acceptance, and understanding of their unique challenges and perspectives. This work can also help to promote greater equality and social justice for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity." - Bart Grabski, Queer Joy Project Producer

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