A pilot project from the UK’s only UNESCO City of Craft, supporting local makers and breathing new life into the city centre
Perth, the UK’s first and only UNESCO City of Craft, is proud to deliver Make Room, an initiative inviting craft makers from across Perth & Kinross to take on a free 4-12 week lease of a fully equipped city‑centre creative space.
Make Room is a pilot initiative designed to support makers while exploring innovative uses for vacant shop units. Successful applicants will gain free access to a flexible, public‑facing unit that can be used as a retail shop, working studio, gallery, workshop venue, meeting room, office, or collaborative space.
This pilot aims to energise Perth’s creative sector, strengthen the visibility of local talent, and contribute to a vibrant and culturally active city centre.
Make Room is located at 19 Princes Street, Perth.
Carrie’s Handweaving
We’re sad to say goodbye to, Carrie’s Handweaving, who was open from September – November 2026.
Carrie’s Handweaving, a small Handweaving studio based in Perth Creative Exchange, tookon the Make Room as an opportunity to have a public facing Handweaving studio, retail space and workshop space. Carrie used the space as a retail opportunity in which she engaged with customers about the products and demonstrated her craft rather than this being behind closed doors. Carrie was keen to share her craft and engage people with wanting to learn more about it and even give it a go themselves.
After Carrie’s pop-up at Make Room, we asked her to reflect on her experience:
I loved the idea of the Make Room as a space to try different workshops and as it is such an open retail space in the town centre I hoped it would show people what I do and attract attention to my work.
The experience was so much better than expected. By having it set up as a workshop space so many people were able to see what the classes would be like. I had lots if people attending workshops after just walking past and seeing what I was going and taking a leaflet, which was fantastic.
There were so many great moments, I loved inviting a group of local Brownies in to try all the different looms. Running Autumn colours workshops and Halloween workshops for adults and children were lovely experiences and just talking to so many people interested in the craft of weaving. I’ve learned a lot from people who came in to chat and it showed me that craft is so important to people.
Next I’m going to build on my beginners weaving workshop offering back in Perth Creative Exchange. I’ve also recently bought a large antique floor loom so getting that up and running will keep me busy I’m sure!
Keep an eye on @CarriesHandweaving for any changes to opening hours and for information on upcoming workshops.
What’s Next?
The next Make Room pop-up will be the Perthshire Artisans Craft Edit, opening 20th November, check back to find out more!
Enquiries: [email protected]
