Image by Believe Academy
We’re so excited to see so many new, creative workshops coming to Ashfield this Summer!
We’re delighted to announce the successful recipients of Round 4 of Ashfield Creates’ Community Commissions, with 12 projects taking place across Ashfield this summer between July and September!
This latest round brings together an exciting mix of creative experiences across the district, from mindful photography to outdoor illustration and a summer celebration packed with activities for all ages.
Through the Community Commissions, Ashfield Creates supports local artists, organisations and residents to bring creative ideas to life. The commissioning process is designed to be simple, accessible and open to everyone, whether you’re taking your first creative steps or already delivering community projects, the commissions help grow exciting local ideas that showcase the breadth of creative diversity in Ashfield.
We’re thrilled to support another brilliant round of artists and community organisations whose projects celebrate local talent, build confidence and create opportunities for people to come together through creativity. Meet them below!
Celebrating Summer at our Dementia Garden
Peer Support Dementia Hub
Celebrate Summer in a welcoming dementia-friendly garden with a day of creativity, nature and social connection. Participants will enjoy activities including bird box making, pebble painting and flower crown creation, developing new skills while expressing their creativity in a relaxed outdoor setting. Surrounded by beautiful flowers and green spaces, attendees can enjoy refreshments, meet new people and take home their handmade creations, leaving with a sense of achievement, wellbeing and community.
Connection: A Music and Creative Arts Initiative
Jane Lane
Connection: A Music and Creative Arts Initiative is a four-week creative programme that brings together music, art, storytelling and reminiscence to inspire conversation and creativity. Designed for older adults and people living with dementia, the sessions offer a welcoming space to share memories, explore artistic activities and build confidence. Through creative expression and meaningful social interaction, participants can enjoy new experiences, strengthen community connections and improve their overall wellbeing in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Stanton Hill Rainbow Community Garden Mural Project
Stanton Hill
Help transform the Rainbow Community Garden by taking part in a collaborative community mural project. Working alongside a local artist, participants will contribute to a colourful artwork that celebrates creativity, teamwork and local pride. Bringing together schools, families and residents, the project encourages people of all ages to get involved, develop new creative skills and play an active role in shaping a vibrant community space that everyone can enjoy.
Mindful Photography
Camilla E Brown
Discover the art of mindful photography through a relaxing guided workshop exploring local parks and woodland. Participants will learn how to use photography as a creative way to slow down, observe their surroundings and appreciate the natural environment. Suitable for complete beginners as well as experienced photographers, the sessions encourage creativity, reflection and wellbeing through accessible activities using either a mobile phone or digital camera.
Pop-up Proms
MishMash Productions
Experience the joy of live music as Pop-up Proms brings professional performances into welcoming community venues across Ashfield. These free, informal concerts make classical music accessible to everyone, creating uplifting experiences that encourage people to come together, connect with others and enjoy high-quality live performances in familiar surroundings. The concerts celebrate the power of music to inspire, entertain and strengthen community connections.
Dance 4 All
Believe Academy
Dance 4 All is an inclusive dance and creative movement programme that welcomes people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Through fun, accessible sessions, participants will explore movement, teamwork and self-expression while building confidence, improving wellbeing and making new friends. No previous dance experience is needed, and every session is designed to create a supportive environment where everyone can enjoy being active, creative and connected.
Funky Doodle Watercolour
Paula Bell
Get creative this summer with a fun and relaxing watercolour workshop for children, families and beginners. Participants will learn simple painting techniques while experimenting with colourful doodle-inspired artwork in a friendly and supportive environment. Everyone will create their own unique masterpiece to take home, making the sessions a great opportunity to learn new skills, express creativity and enjoy quality time together.
Craft and Play
Ashfield Play Forum
Enjoy a fun-filled day of outdoor creativity with hands-on crafts, games and imaginative play for children and families. Participants will get to make bug hotels, explore painting and colouring, enjoy balloon modelling and create artwork to take home. These free community events will encourage creativity, outdoor play and learning through fun activities while inspiring children to continue making and creating long after the event has finished.
The Art of Strength
Pretty Heavy Lifters
The Art of Strength is a creative wellbeing programme for women that combines movement, storytelling and artistic expression to celebrate confidence, resilience and community. Through accessible activities inspired by dance, fitness and mindfulness, participants will explore creativity, build self-belief and connect with others in a supportive environment. Together they will create a lasting community documentary celebrating their personal journeys and shared experiences.
Write at Rendezvous
Sue Allen
Explore the creative world of poetry in a series of welcoming workshops designed for writers of all experience levels. Through guided activities and creative prompts, participants will develop their writing skills, discover new ways to express themselves and gain confidence in sharing their work. The programme concludes with an informal performance, giving participants the opportunity to celebrate their creativity with family, friends and the wider community.
Plot Your Story in a Day
Dream with Colour
Bring your ideas to life in this inspiring one-day creative writing workshop designed for anyone interested in storytelling. Participants will learn how to develop characters, structure a story and build confidence through practical activities and creative exercises. Suitable for beginners and aspiring writers alike, the workshop provides the tools, encouragement and inspiration needed to begin a new writing journey.
Leather Craft with Mark Phillips
Learn the traditional craft of leatherworking while creating your own practical leather tote bag to take home. This hands-on workshop introduces participants to essential leatherworking techniques that can be used in future creative projects, while encouraging confidence and practical skill development. Participants will also discover the durability, versatility and sustainability of leather as a natural material in a welcoming and supportive environment.
We can’t wait to share more about the free events and activities being created by our amazing Round 4 commission recipients. Keep an eye on our What’s On page, sign up to our newsletter and follow us on social media to find out more about upcoming events and how to get involved!
