3 January – 5 February 2026
Unit E, City Wharf, Ship Row, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY
Outer Spaces website

Anna Charlotta Gardiner, Underwater Sacred Grove

 

Orkney-based artist Anna Charlotta Gardiner undertakes a month-long residency in Aberdeen within the Outer Spaces studio network. Located on Shiprow, the proximity to the city’s maritime heritage is a point of departure in the creation of new work. Gardiner’s practice explores our interconnectedness with - and responsibilities - towards nature, working across performance, costume, video, textiles and sound, utilising reclaimed materials. Her work references mythology, science, heritage and dreamworlds, and is often haunted by beings, inhabiting a space between the human and more-than-human. Her performance work is heavily informed by her neurodivergence – through acts of (un)masking, embracing discomfort, and stimming through actions with sight, sound, touch and movement. Further details of public workshops will be released in January 2026.

Anna Charlotta Gardiner (b.1983) is a Finnish-Scottish visual and performance artist. With a background in anthropology and publishing, she is currently undertaking postgraduate study with University of the Highlands and Islands, Orkney. She is a recipient of the Outer Spaces Scotland Award - RSA New Contemporaries 2025, whilst her performance work was featured in the 2024 film The Outrun.

 

Gardiner will use this opportunity to invite artists and members of the local community into her studio to engage with her practice through two free events. Please note places are limited, booking is essential.
 
Drop Spindle and Spinning Workshop
Saturday 24 January 2026, 1 - 4pm
Outer Spaces, Unit E, City Wharf, Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY 
Free, booking required
 
Work with artist Anna Charlotta Gardiner to make drop spindles and spin yarn from recycled materials. This workshop is an introduction to the ancient art of spinning by hand, with a focus on making art as a form of stimming and meditation.
 
Further information, access details, and how to book click here 
 

Studio Day for Artists
Saturday 31 January 2026, 10am - 4pm
Outer Spaces, Unit E, City Wharf, Shiprow, Aberdeen, AB11 5BY 
Free, booking required
 
A day of creative collaboration and play for practising artists. 
 
Further information, access details, and how to book click here

 

 

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Banner image: Outer Spaces, image credit Grant Anderson

 

 

 

  • About Outer Spaces
    Outer Spaces, image credit Grant Anderson

    About Outer Spaces

    Established in 2021, Outer Spaces has grown to become one of Scotland's leading artist development organisations. We support 1,000+ artists through studio infrastructure in ‘meanwhile’ spaces, and present a public programme profiling critically-engaged contemporary art from across our network. Outer Spaces programme provides opportunities to artists, curators and collectives through production support, partnerships, studio-residencies, and awards. At the core of our visual arts programme is commissioning – enabling artists to make new work, take risks and the physical space to produce ambitious work.