This paper explores contemporary adaptations of studio space in Fine Art education, addressing both internal and external challenges. It proposes alternative models for deploying art school resources, drawing on case studies from my experiences leading programmes at Chelsea College of Arts, UAL, and the Royal College of Art, London. In these high-cost urban contexts, with increasing student numbers, the paper argues that societal, artistic, and cultural shifts—including the rising costs of living and studying, the positive increasing diversity of student backgrounds, and the growth of relational and collaborative art practices—necessitate a rethinking of studio organisation.

The case studies highlight attempts to move beyond traditional, individual-focused models toward collaborative, dialogic spaces. At Chelsea, the MFA ‘studio’ was reframed as a ‘cultural production hub’, while at the RCA, the development of a new MFA in Arts and Humanities included initiating a ‘live room’, playfully shifting from the concept of a traditional ‘Life Room’ to a more open, dialogic and technology-enhanced studio space. This paper critically examines these innovations, assessing their impact on student practices and the professional readiness of graduates.

In addition, the paper reflects on prospective initiatives at the Glasgow School of Art, where I now work as the Head of Fine Art, and considers whether more affordable space encourages conventional approaches. This analysis explores how such environments influence artistic production, student belonging, and the professional trajectories of graduates.

• https://forarthistory.org.uk/places-and-...