Case study: Edinburgh Printmakers Market Assessment
Background
Edinburgh Printmakers, founded in 1967 as the UK’s first open-access print studio, has played a pivotal role in supporting artists and printmakers for over five decades. In 2019, the organisation relocated to Castle Mills, a revitalised industrial building in Fountainbridge leased from the City of Edinburgh Council. This new site houses a professional printmaking studio, public galleries, artist studios, a residency flat, café, and retail space, strengthening its community and cultural offer.
The original vision for the Castle Mills redevelopment included a south annexe. However, due to financial constraints during the initial build, the annexe was excluded. This omission has since constrained the site’s operational flexibility and potential revenue streams.
Scotinform conducted market research to assess the potential demand for the proposed annexe at Edinburgh Printmakers, focusing on flexible meetings and events spaces, artists’ studios, and live music venues, to inform the viability and future development of these facilities.
Purpose
The primary purpose of Scotinform’s research was to identify and evaluate local, regional, and national markets for each proposed facility in the new annexe, including flexible event and conference space, creative studio spaces, and live music events. The research aimed to assess market demand, analyse pricing and positioning strategies of comparable venues, and provide evidence-based recommendations.
Methodology
The research methodology used a blend of qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a thorough and well-rounded analysis, including:
- A site visit to Edinburgh Printmakers
- An assessment of the current supply of meetings and events venues, artist studios, and music performance spaces in Edinburgh
- Depth interviews with stakeholders in the creative, meetings and events, and live music sectors
- An online survey to capture market perspectives from local businesses and previous users of Edinburgh Printmakers
- An analysis of national trends in the meetings and events sector to provide context for local findings
- A SWOT analysis to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the proposed annexe
- An exploration of positioning, facility mix, and pricing strategies to inform development recommendations
Impacts
The market research had a significant impact on Edinburgh Printmakers, playing a key role in shaping the vision and strategic direction for the proposed south annexe. It identified a range of commercial opportunities, with evidence confirming the annexe’s potential to unlock new revenue streams and attract wider, more diverse audiences.
Beyond the numbers, the research identified clear opportunities for Edinburgh Printmakers to strengthen its presence as a creative and community anchor within Edinburgh’s cultural landscape.
Crucially, the insights helped refine the proposed positioning, facility mix and pricing strategy, giving the organisation the confidence and practical foundation to move forward with the feasibility study, develop a compelling business case, and engage future funders and planning partners.
“We were delighted with the work carried out by Scotinform to test the scope for expanding Edinburgh Printmakers’ cultural, wellbeing and creative industries hub in Fountainbridge. Viv and Helen were collaborative and highly professional in designing the project and successfully delivered a comprehensive report on time and on budget”
Janet Archer, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Printmakers
Why Scotinform?
We were chosen by Edinburgh Printmakers because of our deep experience working with organisations in the cultural and creative sectors. Our team understands the complex challenges that come with developing and operating artist-focused spaces, from studio provision and event programming to audience engagement and financial sustainability.
We brought a tailored, hands-on approach to the project – combining robust data analysis with direct engagement through interviews, surveys, and site visits. Our ability to interpret both local context and wider market trends allowed us to provide clear, strategic recommendations.
Most importantly, we worked closely with Edinburgh Printmakers to ensure that our insights were not just informative, but actionable – giving them the confidence to move forward with their vision for the annexe.