The work is created by freelance production teams drawn from a pool of artists, makers, performers, poets, musicians and technicians who have a range of experience working with the company - from founder members to recent graduates. Projects are led by the Artistic Director and supported by IOU’s Executive Producer, technical and administration team.
IOU Studio is the administration base and creation centre for the company which is situated within Dean Clough Mills, Halifax. This is a vast stone built Victorian industrial complex formerly the Crossley Carpet factory which closed in 1982, finally succumbing to the decline of the textile industry in the area. Reinvigorated by the vision of Sir Ernest Hall, Dean Clough is now a lively community of arts organisations, individual artists and commercial business. It has been IOU’s home since 1984, when the company became one of the first tenants and arts organisations to occupy the building.
IOU Studio comprises of two large interconnected spaces which were originally converted and used by The Henry Moore Foundation. Between 1989 and 2003 The Henry Moore Foundation invited leading international sculptors to present work specially made in response to the distinctive atmosphere and history of these spaces. In 2005 IOU received an Arts Council England Capital Grant to make the spaces usable for IOU and fully accessible to the public. Here IOU presents a programme of activity that includes exhibitions/installations and preparation, rehearsal and presentation of IOU work. The space is also used for IOU’s professional development programme which helps emerging practitioners and arts organisations, artistically and strategically. Separate from the Studio, IOU has a large workshop where making can take place using welding and other machinery for large scale constructions.
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