Ashfield, it's time to unleash our creativity!
Ashfield Creates is a new, exciting programme designed to transform how everyone who lives, works and studies in Ashfield gets to access and participate in arts and creative activities.
We are working with communities across Ashfield until Autumn 2027 to bring lots of amazing creative events to the district! So, whether you’re an artist, a maker, a performer of just curious, there will be loads of chances to try something new, build your skills and shape what happens next!
the mission
Ashfield Creates' mission is simple: to increase the number of arts and creative opportunities for everyone living, working and studying in Ashfield. In doing this we want to support local residents to discover their creative skills, empower local artists to thrive and bring our communities together through creativity like never before.
Local Creativity
At the core of our work will be a network of four Local Creative Hubs. These hubs won't be set locations, but networks of organisations, artists and communities working together to decide what happens in each neighbourhood and what stories they want to tell. Hubs will be focussed on Hucknall, Kirkby & Sutton, with a forth working across Ashfield's villages.
Our Programme
Here’s a glimpse at just some of the things that Ashfield Creates’ programme has in store over the next three years. But remember, these are just headlines that will be developed with communities, stakeholders, artists and organisations to build a step-changing programme that will launch in Autumn 2024.
Local Creative Hubs
Four hubs across Ashfield will become exciting networks that will empower local communities to get involved with amazing creative opportunities.
10 Years of Creativity
Working alongside the Ashfield Arts Partnership and Ashfield Residents we’ll help produce a 10-year vision for Creative Change in Ashfield until 2035.
Creative Activities
We’ll invest directly into local creative activities, supporting people to discover new talents and build their creativite confidence.
Local Events
We’ll be hosting and supporting lots of incredible regular events that bring communities together to experience something amazing across Ashfield.
Community Arts Festivals
We’ll support local arts festivals across Ashfield, enabling communities to come together to celebrate their skills, cultures and each other.
Inclusive Access
Ashfield Creates is for all and to ensure that everyone is able to access our offer we’ve dedicated capacity to ensure Access is a priority across everything we do.
Large-Scale Events
Working with communities we’ll collaborate with national and international artists to create amazing creative spectacles that become incredible memories.
Creative Support
Our Creative Cohort programme will support anyone who wants to unlock the potential of a creative career or work opportunity as well as Ashfield’s amazing local artists.
Community Commissions
We’ll support local artists and community organisations through annual community commissioning rounds to run their own activities and projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Ashfield got this money now?
Ashfield as a district has received less money for arts and cultural activities than other similar areas in the past. That’s why Ashfield District Council has been working with Arts Council England and the local arts and community organisations to establish the Ashfield Arts Partnership who have worked with local residents and community organisations to develop the Ashfield Creates bid.
When will activities begin?
Our formal programme of activities is set to start from October 2024 and will run until March 2027, but before this begins, we’re going to be running a preliminary programme in August & September to give a taste of what’s in store and gather your views on what you want to see happen.
What is the money going to be spent on?
Ashfield Creates represents the largest investment in arts, culture and creative activity in Ashfield’s history and so this funding represents an incredibly exciting opportunity to develop new ideas.
The funding investment by Arts Council England, Ashfield District Council and the wider Ashfield Arts Partnership is funding that is to be spent on arts and creative activities.
Within the programme there will be set budgets for local creative activities (like regular workshops, courses or groups), local arts events (think community cinema nights or local socials), artist & creative support and developing the legacy of the programme.
Who's leading Ashfield Creates?
Ashfield Creates is an Ashfield District Council project, but it is being overseen by Ashfield Arts Partnership and delivered by Nonsuch Studios.
Ashfield Arts Partnership are a network of arts, cultural and community organisations who have come together to support the development and championing of arts and culture in Ashfield.
Nonsuch Studios are a theatre company, creative producer and arts charity based in Nottingham. They have been recruited as the lead-organisation to deliver the 3 year programme.
How did Ashfield Creates come about?
Ashfield Creates started life in 2023 in response to the opportunity to bid for funds from Arts Council England for a programme that would enable a step-change in how arts, culture and creative activities happen in Ashfield.
In Summer 2023 we spoke to over 150 local residents & creatives and 25 arts & community organisations to help shape our application.
The bid efforts to Arts Council England were coordinated by Nonsuch Studios working with all the Ashfield Arts Partnership members and Ashfield District Council.
I’m a Local Artist, how do I get involved?
We’d love to talk to you and hear about how you can feed into shaping our programme. There’s lots of ways to connect with us, either via our contact page or through one of our Artist meet ups which will take place over the Summer.
In shaping the work done on Ashfield Creates so far, we’ve spoken to over 200 local residents and creatives and connected with over 25 local organisations, but we know there are a huge number of conversations to be had as we undertake the formal co-designing of our programme.
Across our programme we know how important local artists, creatives and practitioners will be in supporting the delivery and success of our work. There will also be a range of programmes and activities for local artists, creatives and practitioners to support, develop and enable your practice to thrive.
Can Ashfield Creates support buildings & venues?
Ashfield Creates is not a capital fund, which means our budget cannot be spent on large asset purchases, permanent equipment or buildings.
Our funds can be used to purchase consumables, supplies and equipment necessary for the delivery of our activities, or to hire things needed for certain activities.
If you’re connected with a venue or organisation that is seeking capital funds, our Fundraising Specialist will be able to support you to on any applications you might need to submit. This will be a part of our Creative Cohort programme launching later this year.
How much will things Cost?
Ashfield Creates is a programme that has been generously awarded a significant budget to support our activities, therefore the majority of our activities will be Free or very low cost.
One of our beliefs is that money shouldn’t be a barrier to you engaging with our work.
Where will activities happen?
All over Ashfield. One of our aims is to make sure that every community in our district has the opportunity to engage regularly in arts and creative activities.
As part of our programme there will be 4 areas of focus, but combined, these areas cover the whole of Ashfield dividing the district into North, East, South & West.
Meet the Ashfield Arts Partnership
Discover the organisations working together to increase arts and creative opportunities across Ashfield as part of the Ashfield Arts Partnership. We'll be sharing more details about them and their work soon!