FACT, the Liverpool-based cultural center, marks one year since opening Studio/Lab, a creative hub on its top floor designed to support emerging artists in Liverpool and the North West. Over 500 creatives have engaged with the space through workshops, masterclasses, residencies, and social events. The autumn program features new immersive installations by artists Helen Anna Flanagan and Gavin Gayagoy, developed during their residencies at Studio/Lab. Flanagan's film 'Burnt Toast' (2025) uses machine learning and archival materials to explore class and alienation, while Gayagoy's 'Doomscroll_1' (2025) examines digital isolation and compulsive smartphone use.
This matters because Studio/Lab is the first space of its kind in the UK, providing critical digital resources and a collaborative environment that bridges learning, experimentation, and exchange. It strengthens FACT's role as a cornerstone of creative development in the region, supporting artists at all career stages and fostering international partnerships. The exhibition demonstrates how dedicated studio spaces can nurture innovative work that addresses contemporary social issues, reinforcing the importance of accessible, artist-driven infrastructure in the cultural sector.