IOU Labs

Supporting artists to build new skills, develop original work, and sustain long-term careers is central to IOU’s mission. IOU Labs provides an open environment for artists, makers, and students to explore, test, and refine ideas. This includes our long-running Space Time Tools Advice (STTA) programme, commissioning opportunities, academic partnerships, and both short- and long-term residencies.

Based at the IOU Creation Centre and IOU Hostel in Hebden Bridge, we work with engineering and technology organisations, alongside arts partners, to support the creation of contemporary productions.

The Labs act as an incubator for new productions, co-productions, and exhibitions, giving artists the freedom to experiment without the pressure of public presentation. Flexible and artist-focused, they offer access to specialist knowledge, resources, networks, and adaptable spaces suited to projects of different scales and approaches.

We prioritise curiosity and innovation, encouraging cross-disciplinary exchange and peer support. By hosting artists working on different projects at the same time, we create a shared environment where ideas and learning naturally inform and strengthen one another.

IOU50 Artist Comissions

Triptych: Body, Land & Lens Residency and Commission Opportunity. Part of IOU50, this commission invites three artists to take inspiration from IOU’s 50-year archive working with Leeds Beckett University

Artist Development Programme

STTA - Space Time Tools Advice for individuals or groups practising any discipline who are interested in IOU’s approach to making.

Artist In Residence

IOU has created a rolling 6 month opportunity for artists to live, work and develop their creative practice at the IOU Hostel, Hebden Bridge

Currently in the Studio

Find out who is working in the IOU Creation Centre.

Our Spaces

Spaces for artists at the IOU Creation Centre, Dean Clough and the IOU Hostel, Hebden Bridge
woman dances wearing a black suit. In the foreground a man with his back to us films her

Space Time Tools Advice

'Why STTA is Central to the IOU Creation Centre' by IOU Creative Director, Richard Warburton

“We were incredibly lucky to be able to have time beforehand in the amazing IOU Creation Centre at Dean Clough, a large space that was a real treat to be able to work in before taking the Babylon Gamelan out into the wider world. I can’t recommend it highly enough to artists & creatives wanting to spend time & space developing pieces of work”

Dave Young, Rag & Bone

Working with IOU as Artist in Residence has been an amazing experience that has progressed my work and my confidence as an artist. The studio and hostel spaces are unique ecosystems with a great team, that have inspired me and encouraged new ideas to form and grow. I have been able to realise ideas that lived in my head, develop these with critical feedback, validation and perspective Moving forward I’m excited for new challenges, continuing to learn and working with IOU in the future.
Alicja Mrozowska, Artist in Residence 2022-2023

For my IOU STTA the team were very helpful in providing support. Before the event IOU provided invaluable contacts, who helped bring our work together. During our stay IOU took a strong interest in the work and provided some very useful technical knowledge. We hope to go back in the future.
John Bonner, Artist

Being able to work within IOU Creation Centre's spaces was a game-changer. It allowed us to explore and experiment & pushing the boundaries of our artistic disciplines. The collaboration with IOU became a catalyst for our artistic growth, opening doors to new possibilities and sparking fresh ideas.

Emily Lloyd, Creative Producer, Missing Theatre