Sarah Calmus / Photo credit: Paul Campbell courtesy of Visual Arts Scotland

Studio Sumlacs

Launched in 2023, Studio Sumlacs is the production studio of artist Sarah Calmus.

Under Studio Sumlacs, Calmus aims to produce interactive, multisensory experiences that create a legacy for fearless innovation and equitable space making.

Working to infuse spaces with tactile, audio visual installations, Calmus often works with collaborators to build work on varying scales from site specific public artworks, to exhibition pieces.

The aims of Studio Sumlacs are:

  • To build artworks and events that are built with sustainability and accessibility at their core

  • To help widen access to creative happenings, events and artworks

  • To build equity across communities that the studio inhabits

  • To help build ecosystems of support for artworkers

  • The studio is socially driven, it is committed to creating safe spaces and inviting those who might usually be thought of second, to be thought of first

We do this by:

  • Creating multisensory artworks

  • Involving community groups in design sprints for projects

  • Building projects in public spaces and the outdoors

  • Invest in funding and employment opportunities for artworkers and creatives

  • Supporting healthier life work infrastructure for freelancers

  • Building compassionate spaces through creative activities, with creative producers.

Studio Sumlacs blends disciplines and encourages STEAM approaches to projects that activate public spaces. Calmus works with a pool of freelancers and trusted collaborators across Scotland to develop artworks for reflection and connection.

Get in touch

  • Studio Sumlacs build installations which can be site specific or selected from a range of artworks that can be loaned for display. The studio is currently open to new commissions.

    For a new artwork, Calmus will work collaboratively with an organisation to create or clarify the brief, defining concepts, aims, ambitions, timeline and budget.

    The studio will then develop an illustrated written proposal which the organisation can use to gather support for taking the new project forward and implement the build.

    Get in touch with Founder, Sarah Calmus to discuss your next project.

  • Studio Sumlacs offer an initial free 15-minute consultation diagnostic session for prospective clients so we can understand your needs and develop the right approach for you.

    Consultancy can be beneficial for creative organisations or businesses who need a steer with engaging with creative programmes, individuals and the industry as a whole. We can help you manage your work in this area and connect you to experts in the field of interest. To discuss rates and budgets, get in touch to find out more.

    Book a slot with Founder, Sarah Calmus today or feel free to contact the team via email to discuss your ideas.

  • Studio Sumlacs offers mentoring sessions for artists. These sessions offer artists dedicated active support and key one on one time with a compassionate ear who can offer advice and support for projects.

    1 to 1’s are £75 for 1 hour face to face (digital, phone or physical meeting) and 30 mins note write up time.
    Studio Sumlacs can support with the following areas: process and progress support, funding applications, production support, programming, venue, event and exhibition management, advice and industry knowledge.

    For bigger projects requiring more time, see Book a Producer Session for more info.

    Book a slot with Founder, Sarah Calmus today.

  • Studio Sumlacs works with a range of Producers based across Scotland who can support on a broad range of projects from event build and delivery to exhibition installation, curation and so much more.

    Day rates for this work starts at £350 and is dependant on the project needs.

    Got a project that needs to be managed? Get in touch with Founder, Sarah Calmus to discuss.

  • Studio Sumlacs upholds fair payment procedures for their projects to artworkers, producers and contractors.

    Our guideline rates to charge are in line with Scottish Artist Union rates which for us as it stands in 2025 is:
    £350 day rate per 8 hour day / £44 per hour.

    We understand every initiative is different and we also understand that people in the creative industries are struggling with rising living and working costs and so we will do our best to work with a broad range of budgets but expect organisations, and bigger companies to honour our rates as stated as a minimum guideline.

  • Studio Sumlacs works with a pool of producers across Scotland who are experienced programmers, well versed in working with multiple stakeholders and delivering high quality community focused events that are engaging and thought provoking.

    We’re open to supporting freelance Producers to take on work that comes to us. Join our Producers Pool for prospective clients and projects. Interested in working with us? Get in touch with your CV, needs and interests here.