Vending machine serves up accessible art in first for Fife

The winner of OnFife’s first Creative Soup event, where local creatives were invited to pitch business ideas, is about to see their proposal become a reality – an art vending machine.

Called Small Change Gallery, it’s the brainchild of artist Abi Cooper and is having a pilot launch throughout August at Templehall Community Hub in Kirkcaldy, where anyone can buy a unique piece of original art for just £5.

To mark the opening, Abi will be at the hub on Saturday 1 August between 1-3pm to talk about the Small Change Gallery and Kate Pickering, OnFife Creative Instigator, who organised Creative Soup, will be on hand to invite visitors to enjoy a free badge-making workshop.

Abi’s idea – which won £1,000 to get the business going – was to showcase one local artist each month, with the artist contributing 50 small pieces of original art for sale in the vending machine.

During the pilot month for the project, Abi will be contributing their own artwork in an exhibition entitled A Gift from the Sea Ents, which will include unique handmade ceramics and a risoprinted zine, a small booklet printed using a unique form of Japanese printer.

Abi said: “’I’m so excited to see Fife’s first art vending machine come to life and this wouldn’t be possible without the support from OnFife through the Create in Kirkcaldy community.

“As well as the micro-funding that got the project off the ground, I’ve also benefited hugely from the shared experience, enthusiasm and encouragement from other creatives, and Kate in the Design Suite at the Adam Smith Theatre. I cannot wait to launch the machine on Saturday and bring more art into the community in an accessible and exciting way.”

Small Change Gallery will be in Templehall Community Hub throughout August, with the exhibition ending when artworks sell out. The vending machine will then take a short break, before opening officially in January 2027.

Kate Pickering said: “We are delighted that Abi’s artwork will go on to make its way into the community and look forward to supporting more creatives through our ongoing Create in Kirkcaldy monthly events.”

Any local artists interested in contributing artwork to the machine can find out more by visiting @smallchangegallery on Instagram, or come to the launch event on the 1August, where there will be more information about how to get involved.

Image

Abi Cooper making the winning presentation at last year’s 2026 Creative Soup event.

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For further information contact Sheona Small, Press & Communications Manager, 07809 727 989 or email sheona.small@onfife.com   

Notes to editors:  

OnFife is a registered charity and manages and operates theatres, libraries, museums and galleries and cultural partnerships on behalf of Fife Council for people living, working and visiting Fife.  Further information can be found at www.onfife.com