FAQs
What is CAN?
CAN, or Circular Arts Network, is a platform designed to help the arts community address the Climate Emergency by facilitating the recycling and reuse of materials. It connects creative individuals and organisations, enabling them to exchange resources, from construction materials to equipment, within a circular economy model.
CAN operates as an online space where users can find and share affordable or free materials and services. It’s similar to a Gumtree – specifically for the arts, and with a focus on sustainability. CAN makes surplus materials available to artists and creative professionals, providing high-quality resources at no cost.
The platform supports the arts by encouraging reuse across all art forms and facilitates the sharing of transportation, equipment, and other essentials. With over 1500 users, including organisations like the National Theatre of Scotland and Glasgow School of Art, CAN is a vital tool for reducing waste and maximizing the use of resources in the creative sector.
How does CAN work?
- Register here.
- Start by creating your own listing or claiming an existing one.
- Items are organised by the categories you tag them with.
- Upload images of your item.
- Set a price or mark it as FREE.
- Claim your item, and organise collection.
What is the Circular Economy?
The circular economy is a model focused on sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials and products to extend their life cycle and reduce waste.
Who runs CAN?
CAN was developed by Sculpture Placement Group, specialising in arts and sustainability. It was founded with support from Creative Scotland, Santander, SCAN, and the Awesome Foundation, and is currently funded by the Glasgow Guarantee, Friends, and donations from users.
What can I list?
You can list any item or materials you like. If it doesn’t fit into existing categories, select ‘Everything Else’. You can also list your skills or your transport services?
Can I sell items?
Yes, you can list items for sale or for free.
Do you collect and store items?
Currently, we do not offer a collection service but are developing partnerships with delivery partners. We have mini depots in Edinburgh and Glasgow for short-term storage. Contact us for specific transport and storage needs at info@canarts.org.uk.
Working hours?
The platform is always available.
Our office hours:
Wed – Fri, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
What are Mini Depots?
Mini Depots are storage facilities in Glasgow and Edinburgh where you can drop off and collect supplies. Arrange collections in advance by contacting info@canarts.org.uk.
Do I need to list an item if I am dropping it off at a Mini Depot?
Yes, please list the item on our website and indicate in the ‘Collection Details’ box that it’s in the Mini Depot to keep track of materials.
I would like to offer a skill, service, or time. How do I do this?
Post a listing in the ‘Skills’ category for services like framing, design, etc., or in the ‘Time’ category if you’re offering general time to creative projects.
Can I lend items on CAN?
Yes, list the item with details about the lending conditions, and set the price as a per week or per day charge in the listing description.