STUDIO 18 is hosting an open day on Saturday. 

Founded in 2018, Studio 18 aims to provide a home for exciting creative work in the Stroud Area.

It provides a space for various disciplines including music, applied arts and visual arts.

This open day comes as over 2,000 people have signed a petition to save the venue after it was served with a council noise complaint notice. 

Stroud District Council issued a Community Protection Notice Written Warning to owner Zac Walsh on March 29, after receiving noise complaints from neighbours.

Organisers have been concerned about the venue's future, and the situation has been described as "unreasonable" and a “constant worry.”

The artspace, music venue, studio and exhibition space, is now opening its doors to the community for an Open Day on Saturday, May 13 from 1 to 3pm.  

Young artist Natalie said: “Studio 18 is a fantastic place for young creatives.

"There’s always something going on and the atmosphere is really supportive for those wanting to make their careers in the arts.”

Founder and director Zachary Walsh says, “Studio 18 is a vital hub of support for the young creatives of Stroud.

"We really want more people to know about all the work we put in down here to nurture and develop the creative future of Stroud.

"It’s not easy – especially at this time when costs are rising, and income is under threat from people’s stretched budgets and the lack of support out there generally for the arts. But we believe that what we’re doing is really important, and not only for the artists who use our space.

"Creative people make this area what it is: a vibrant and exciting place to live.”

Jagdish Patel, longtime collaborator and supporter of Studio 18, said: “We are really excited to welcome the community to our space on May 13.

"We might be known to some as a studio space, to others as a place where HAF [council-funded holiday activities for kids] activities happen, to others as a music venue.

"We’d like the community to know that we do a huge variety to support our local creatives, and that this is their space too – no matter your age or your artistic ability!”

Stroud district councillor for Brimscombe and Thrupp Beki Aldam said: “We are really lucky to have a space like Studio 18 in our community.

"The way it champions local artists, young artists and all creatives, means it’s a unique resource and a really exciting space.

"We need to look after places like this, especially when times are tough, because people need art to keep going and be able to find ways to enjoy life.”