The Edge is our studio, located on the border of Highgate and Deritend, a stone’s throw from Digbeth and Deritend High St, and a ten-minute walk from New St station and Digbeth Coach station. Originally a boiled sweet warehouse, in the 12 or so years we’ve been here it’s been transformed into an Aladdin’s Cave with traces of many events and exhibitions, including a genuine red telephone box and a (tuned) piano – it is very much not a ‘white cube’ or a ‘black box’.
The space is equipped with a full kitchen, accessible WC and there is an accessible entrance – we’re continually improving access to enable as many people to enjoy the space as possible. We have a full PA, a moveable stage, lighting and projection equipment and lots of eclectic furniture, making the Edge suitable for all kinds of events, from experimental music nights, like Club Integral, to theatre performance – we’ve even had sleepover cinema nights. Capacity is 70 seated, much more with seating removed.
Since the pandemic hit, and with many venues and community spaces closing, we’ve decided to open up the space to others even more. We can host events of course, but also meetings, workshops and anything you might need a large space to join with other people – we can help you make your event safe and Covid-compliant. Please get in touch (see below) to see if we can help. If you’re a charity or local community group we’re particularly keen to help out and will endeavour to match your budget (or lack of it).
A wedding party
The space is ideal for performance rehearsals and we see companies like Women and Theatre returning time and time again – often borrowing some of our collection of bizarre and practical items as props or set. We’re also often hosting all kinds of groups for meetings, presentations or get-togethers – the Edge is a comfortable, welcoming space, you won’t be stuck in reception next to a water-cooler here, once you’re in, you’re in.
The view from the roof
Hire Costs
We hire out the space on flexible terms, whether you’re funded or unfunded, a professional or a community group, we’ll work out a deal that’s best for both of us – we take skills swaps or other non-cash reciprocal agreements when money isn’t an option. We’re always interested in helping out new or younger groups – our Lead Artists have about 60 years ‘in the business’ between them and are always keen to pass on their experience to those who will pick it up and run with it.
We operate a sliding scale of charges for hire of the space, from corporate to ‘Mum’s rates’.
Facilities
We have a kitchen, accessible entrances and an accessible WC downstairs, and large double doors for moving large items in and out. Seating for up to 70 (when safe), including some comfy sofas, and 6 large tables and 20 small, folding tables for workshops. A small stage and a PA for music or amplified public speaking. Video projectors and other audio visual equipment and wifi throughout the building. If there’s anything else you need, we’ve probably got it.
During lockdown we’ve taken the opportunity to make significant improvements to the space. We’ve had the entrances replaced and upgraded, to make it more accessible, and had a new roof, double-glazing and insulation throughout, to make it even more cosy.
To find out more or make an enquiry, send an email to info@frictionarts.com and we’ll get back to you.