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Mark Meets: Scrapyard Studios CIC
Our volunteer, Mark O’Shaughnessy, recently visited Scrapyard Studios CIC to learn how this vibrant community arts organisation is making a real difference in Bootle. Their insight helps us understand local strengths, challenges, and hopes for the future and how we can better support them.
Building Community Through Creativity
Scrapyard Studios was formed in 2018 and, in 2021, was offered the use of a recording studio and hall in SAFE Regeneration, Bootle. Its focus has always been to build and strengthen community through the arts, “uniting people through common creative goals.” They help people gain confidence and learn new skills through workshops and projects in music and visual arts. Several key activities lie at the heart of the CIC.
At the heart of Scrapyard Studios are several creative groups. The Scrapyard Rock Choir is a free, friendly, intergenerational choir of over 50 members, many joining through social prescribing. The Fretboard Society offers free guitar sessions for 11–16‑year‑olds, with loan instruments and enthusiastic young players. Gals Who Gig showcases and supports women in the music industry through live events and workshops. For adults, the Bootle Guitar Club provides a guitar orchestra focused on social connection and confidence‑building. Scrapyard also offers subsidised rehearsal and recording facilities, including a fully equipped studio and spacious live room supervised by trained engineers.
Strengths Rooted in Local People
Community is at the heart of everything Scrapyard does. Local people are involved at every level, with many volunteering or even leading groups and initiatives.
However, as the organisation is located in one of the top 1% most deprived areas nationally, many residents face economic hardship, mental‑health challenges, stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can create further barriers to development. Funding remains a constant concern, with increasing competition for grants. All clubs are free, though donations are welcomed. A significant looming issue is the sale of SAFE; without new premises, the organisation will be homeless within a year, ideally, they hope for a space such as an old pub.
Future Plans and Aspirations
Scrapyard hopes for a venue that can accommodate all current programmes plus a dedicated performance space, similar to Future Yard in Wirral. They also plan Photography Walks and Editing Projects following their successful exhibition, The Sounds of Sefton, which they hope to adapt for KS3 students in local schools. The appointment of a full‑time administrator would also greatly support Erin’s workload.