Studio Upstairs was established in October 1988 as a partnership. 

​

Co-founded by Douglas Gill, Claire Manson, and Jo Hill, the project began as an associate of Diorama Arts.

Driven by voluntary commitment, the Studio grew from opening just one day a week to operating five days a week within three years.

At the time, the mission was to create art in the public arena.

​

The artists chose how to describe themselves and their work, while the volunteer team and members discussed their practice together at regular reviews and exhibited as a collective.