After nine years of Real Ideas in Royal William Yard, Ocean Studios is moving – marking the start of something bigger: the Devonport Creative Quarter.
From September 2025, our studios, print facilities, and creative community will relocate to the Grade I listed Devonport Guildhall. This move breathes new life into a historic space while building on successful events like Print in Action and Native Makers, and the strong community we’ve nurtured and supported.
Studio holders Sian Bonnell & George Merrick share their excitement:
“We are super excited about the move from William’s Yard to Devonport and to be involved from the outset provides the most wonderful opportunity for us to help build and shape a creative community from such an incredible and iconic building.”
The Devonport Guildhall will offer space for artists and makers, residencies, and opportunities to learn, teach, and share knowledge. We’re eager to expand workshops, exhibitions, professional development, and welcoming fresh collaborations.
Artist Sue Lewry reflects on recent residency and new opportunities:
“My residency at Ocean Studios gave me the time and space to experiment and push my practice. The supportive team nurtured my creative flow. I’m excited to see how RAMP will build on this energy at Devonport Guildhall, creating opportunities for artists to connect, experiment, and flourish.”
One exciting element is closer ties with Market Hall’s immersive tech space, where traditional crafts will meet cutting-edge digital tools. Imagine printmakers using 360° projection or textile artists exploring virtual landscapes – an intersection of heritage and future technologies.
Devonport is transforming fast, with major investments like the Dockyard and National Centre for Marine Autonomy positioning it as a key creative and economic hub. Ocean Studios’ move supports this vision, driving innovation, culture, and community.
Resident researcher and printmaker Matt Holmes adds:
“Real Ideas have always been incredibly supportive of my work and research, so I’m looking forward to joining RAMP at the Devonport Guildhall and being part of the new community they are building in the Devonport Creative Quarter.”
This is just the beginning. Soon, we’ll share how you can get involved – whether taking a studio, developing practice in our residency programmes, joining a workshop, or attending events within the Real Ideas Programme. Together, we’re creating a new creative quarter for Plymouth.
Studios open: September 2025
New home: Devonport Guildhall
Follow us to watch this exciting journey unfold and be part of the story.