Hire The Edge
Hire The Edge
The Edge is Friction Arts’ home on the border of Highgate and Deritend. It’s a flexible creative space that’s a short walk from Digbeth, High Street Deritend, Birmingham New Street and Digbeth Coach Station.
The building includes two large studio spaces suitable for rehearsals, workshops, meetings, screenings, training days, performances and community events, alongside a smaller studio suitable for hot desking, one-to-ones and quieter working.
We share the building with artists, neighbours, community groups, educators and organisers, so the space is used in lots of different ways across the week. We’re particularly interested in activity that brings people together creatively, thoughtfully or collaboratively.
If you’re interested in using the space, please fill in the enquiry form below or email info@frictionarts.com
The Edge Space Hire Enquiry Form
DOWNSTAIRS STUDIO
The Grey Studio is our ground floor space at The Edge. It includes a kitchen, accessible WC, stage area and in-house PA setup, alongside softer seating and flexible room layouts depending on the kind of event you’re planning.
It’s one of the most versatile spaces in the building and is the only studio suitable for live performances, gigs and amplified events. The space regularly hosts rehearsals, workshops, community gatherings, screenings, training days and creative events.
Capacity: Up to 70 people depending on layout
Dimensions: Approx. 10m x 14m
Please note that The Edge is not a licensed premises and, as we are based within a residential area, we do not generally host late-night events. For any amplified music or sound, we operate an 11pm curfew to minimise disturbance to our neighbours.
RED STUDIO
The Red Studio is our first-floor studio space at The Edge, used for rehearsals, workshops, meetings and movement-based activity. The space is open, flexible and quieter in feel than the downstairs studio, making it well suited to group work, creative development and training sessions.
The space includes a small kitchenette area for making tea and coffee. While there is no stage or fixed PA system, a portable PA system is available on request.
Capacity: Up to 50 people depending on layout
Dimensions: Approx. 8m x 12m
GARDEN STUDIO
The Garden Studio is a small, quiet workspace suitable for 2–4 people. With rooftop views across Highgate, it works well for hot desking, one-to-ones, small meetings, reading groups, planning sessions or focused creative work away from the busier shared spaces in the building.
Capacity: 2–4 people depending on setup
Hire Costs
The hourly rates quoted here are for CICs, artists, creatives, community groups and funded organisations using the space Monday to Friday between 10am–6pm.
Most hires are self-managed, meaning the booking covers access to the agreed space rather than additional Friction staffing. If you need support with setup, pack down, technical elements or stewarding, just let us know when enquiring. Depending on staff availability, we may be able to support for an additional cost.
Discounted rates may be available for regular bookings, ongoing projects and longer-term use of the space. We’d be happy to discuss this with you.
If you’re interested in commercial or corporate use of the space, please drop us a line at info@frictionarts.com for a tailored quote.
Facilities and Equipment
The Edge has an accessible entrance, accessible WC on the ground floor, lift access across all three floors, additional toilets upstairs, and a shared kitchen space. The downstairs studio also has large double doors which are useful for loading equipment, installations or larger items in and out of the building.
Across the building we have seating for up to 70 people (within safe capacity limits), including softer seating areas, alongside large and folding tables suitable for workshops, meetings and events. The Grey Studio includes a small stage area and in-house PA setup for live music or amplified speaking. We also have projectors, basic AV equipment and wifi throughout the building. And honestly, if there’s something specific you need, we may well already have it tucked away somewhere – just ask. Some equipment or technical support may involve an additional hire charge depending on what’s needed.
