Support Us
Helping the Smiddy remain open, accessible, and well cared for
Support plays an important role in the life of the Smiddy.
Income from courses, residencies, studio access, and sales sustains the day-to-day running of the workshop and gallery. Additional support allows us to protect access-led activity, care properly for shared tools and equipment, and plan responsibly for the future.
Support at the Smiddy is about continuity and care. It is not framed as urgency or obligation. Every contribution is valued.
Why support matters
Support helps the Smiddy to:
Maintain a calm, well cared for workshop and gallery
Keep group sizes small and learning well supported
Offer community programmes alongside professional training
Support Schools & Outreach Workshops
Care for shared tools and equipment
Plan sustainably rather than reactively
Support enables the Smiddy to remain welcoming first, while holding professional standards.
Become a Supporter
Ongoing monthly support
Becoming a Supporter is a way to provide regular monthly support to the Smiddy.
Monthly contributions help provide stability. They allow us to plan ahead, protect access-led activity, and maintain the quality of the space over time.
Being a Supporter does not provide membership, studio access, priority booking, or discounts. It is a contribution towards the existence and values of the Smiddy rather than a service in return.
You can choose a level of support that feels right for you. Support can be changed or cancelled at any time.
Make a Donation
One-off contribution
If you would prefer to make a single contribution, you can donate instead.
A donation is a one-off payment that supports the Smiddy’s work. Donations help widen participation, support education, and care for shared tools and environments.
You are free to choose an amount that feels appropriate.
What your support sustains
Whether monthly or one-off, support may contribute towards:
Access-led community programmes
Schools & Outreach Workshops
Reduced-cost participation where appropriate
Care and maintenance of shared equipment
Long-term sustainability of the workshop and gallery
Support is used thoughtfully and in line with the Smiddy’s values of clarity, responsibility, and care.
Transparency and responsibility
The Smiddy operates as part of Vanilla Ink CIC, a community interest company.
Any surplus generated through Smiddy activity is retained locally and reinvested into the space, its programmes, and the North East Scotland community it serves.
Support is framed as contribution, not exchange. It does not provide access or priority.
Other ways to support
You may also choose to support the Smiddy by purchasing from the Online Shop, buying a Gift Voucher, or attending a course or exhibition.
All engagement contributes to the sustainability of the space.
If you would like to understand more about how support works, you are welcome to get in touch.