Ashfield Creates has been designed with the communities of Ashfield in mind and we want to support as many local organisations and artists to lead great arts and creative experiences across the district. That’s why our Community Commissions programme is so important to us and why we’ve made it a top priority as we begin our first projects right across Ashfield.
Earlier this summer, we announced Round 1 of our Community Commissions, and we were blown away to receive over 30 applications for incredible activities that would bring arts and creativity to every corner of Ashfield. Whilst we’d love to be able to support everyone, unfortunately we had a limited number of slots for this round of commission. But very soon we will be announcing our Round 2 where we will be able to work with even more brilliant local creatives and groups.
Today we’re thrilled to be announcing the 8 commissions awarded from Round 1 and we’d love to introduce them to you…
- Talking Gift Bag, a group of creative women who have come together to elevate the world of gifting as well as supporting wellbeing and creative expression through craft activities. They will be running some fun block printing workshops for young adults and adults in Ashfield.
- Karla Jones, a dance artist based in Nottinghamshire who specialises in leading dance with and for older adults in the local community. With Ashfield Creates support Karla will be expanding her current dance class offers for those over 60 to bring the art and joy of dance to even more of Ashfield’s older residents.
- Nicola Crook, a local artist who specialises in painting woodland landscapes, with each painting beginning with a walk through the woods accompanied by her lively cocker spaniel, Ella. Nicola will be hosting ‘Paint in the Park’ where she teaches people of all ages how to take inspiration from the natural world and turn it into amazing art.
- Amma Malayalam, an association which unites people from Kerala (South India) who reside in Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield with a core focus on pastoral care and community building. The group will be opening up workshops to support children to learn Bollywood dance, gain confidence, and perform.
- Teversal Visitor Centre, a local non profit venue that serves the community with groups and activities through the year. With Ashfield Create’s help, the centre will be hosting a day of fun for all the family including circus skills, outdoor games, and crafts.
- Rebecca Leivers, AKA We Are the Folk, is a Nottingham based artist and traditional folk singer. Her art practice centres around folk traditions, local history and nature. She will be hosting an event to welcome in the season of Autumn which will include local themed folk songs and a leaf print making workshop. The event is open to everyone, children and adults alike!
- Dan Donovan is an experienced community artist with a passion for engaging with people, encouraging them to get excited and inspired by art. Dan and his team will be bringing a vibrant community art piece to Hucknall Food & Drink Festival this Sunday 17 August, a live open art project for Ashfield residents to come and express themselves through paint and create two communal works of art.
- The Vine Tree is a well known local charity shop, which opened in 1993 and has been trading and supporting the community from Stanton Hill High Street ever since. This year The Vine Tree is celebrating 30 years on the high street, and are holding the Stanton Hill Summer Fair this Saturday 16 August as a thank you to all of their loyal customers and donors. There will be free children’s activities and crafts held throughout the day.
We are thrilled to be supporting this amazing list of community groups and artists to serve their local residents and deliver creativity across Ashfield.
Stay tuned for more information about all these incredible events and opportunities that will be open to all and free to attend. Make sure you’re signed up to our newsletter and check out our What’s On page.
Between now and 2027 there will be 10 rounds of our community commissions and information on Round 2 will be announced later in the Autumn.
