By Cicero A. Estrella
Ciel Creative Space is back—bigger than ever.
The unique, multi-purpose artistic sanctuary located in Berkeley is now offering more than 40,000 square feet of studios and workspace—more than twice its original size—for creatives in art, fashion, tech and entertainment to create, produce, entertain, teach and connect.
“After navigating through an unpredictable 2020, we are thrilled to welcome the creative community back to our beautifully designed, bigger-than-ever space where creativity and productivity can thrive,” CEO and co-founder Cecilia Caparas Apelin said. “Ciel Creative Space is a story of resilience and boundless potential. With the vision of creative expression and the structure to support it, Ciel lives true to its mission to make space to be human.”
Apelin and Alexis Laurent launched the women-operated business in February 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced Ciel to halt all its services just a year later. It started with 16,500 square feet of space.
With smart investing and tight expense-management, its owners were able to acquire additional space, its warehouse now covering a full city block at 2611 Eighth Street in Berkeley. It now offers nine studios ranging from 1,000-3,700 square feet for photoshoots, virtual events, a workspace known as the Atelier, creative suites for drop-in collaboration available for the day or by the hour, and a cafe.
“One of the most exciting new features of the expansion is the bridging of the original space and the acquired space,” Apelin said. “It creates an opportunity for full buyouts of the entire space and is equipped with a brand-new, state-of-the-art soundstage. It’s so exciting. We really feel primed for success as we celebrate the rebirth of Ciel in 2021.”
The building is engineered with state-of-the-art, world-class amenities and services to support photo and video shoots and creative work.
Apelin wanted Ciel’s design to integrate urban, nature and art into a bright, warm and energetic creative space. Laurent brought her vision to life by using his philosophy of “urban acupuncture,” a place that frees up blockages and tension so energy and creativity can flow.
Ciel’s interior palette is clean and white, offset by cold, raw metal juxtaposed with warm wood accents. Large glass windows let in abundant natural light.
For further information, visit cielcreativespace.com or call 510.898.1586.
Photos: Ciel Creative Space
