We work with local artists to provide access to trying out new things, learning new skills and developing your existing skills, while making use of materials that have been donated.
We work across the generations, inter generationally and with a multitude of variable physical needs including with those complex additional needs. Language, hearing and visual abilities shouldn’t be a barrier to art.
Diversity is principle in our practice, as such we integrate groups where possible and search for practical solutions to make this happen. We are very aware that some folk have additional sensory needs meaning this is not possible, where we can, we are happy to chat about how we can make it possible for you and yours to take part regardless of this!
As a rule we consider art and creativity as universally essential and will work with you to make sure our workshops can truly be enjoyed by all.
We are principally interested in artists who reuse, recycle and upcycle in line with our primary focus. As such workshops are varied and encourage creativity in repurposing donations. This means we have an incredibly diverse creative offering too, repurposing everything from used roof tiles to nerf guns, From Barbie dolls to bird cages.
Please see our Calendar of upcoming workshops.
COVID-19 UPDATE During the closure of our venue please register your interest for workshops by dropping an email to info@theupcreativecommunity.org
Hand stitching with Artist Andrea Bonnell
The idea of reappropriating the needle as an act of feminist revolution was used by the Suffragette movement in achieving Votes for Women. The banners they created were pieces of needle craft, showcasing beauty and balancing that with political agenda.
In recent years the art world, galleries and museums have created exhibitions to celebrate these intricately made messages. In particular the centenary of the Representation of the People’s Act brought sewn banners to the forefront at Medicine Gallery, Ikon and BMAG in our city.
Andrea Bonnell was consultant artist for Women, Power, Protest an exclusively female exhibition in the Gas Hall at Birmingham Museum as part of their collaboration with Arts Council England in 2018. Andrea devised sewing workshops using the ‘subversive stitching’ model in this instance using knickers, pants and underwear which aided a discussion around being a woman and what that means.
UP’s very own Helen worked on the Women, Power, Protest project during her time at BMT and had used needlework as a discussion on feminist philosophy in her undergraduate degree so it was a natural fit to invite Andrea to run one of our very first workshops in the hub.
However, as with all arts outreach there was a surprise waiting and we did not receive the audience we expected. We marketed ‘Bad Patches’ as a way of celebrating your friendship with a loved one around Valentines Day. Instead of female friends we actually had an all male turn out, we ordered pizzas and cracked out the ale.
In a world where boys are still told they should not sew and children’s sewing machines are marketed in pink gendered colours, we couldn’t think of a more fantastic fingers up to the patriarchy than a feminist event that was only attended by feminist men.
Budding Builders Bonding
When you book you give us your address information and when you arrive each building pair identify where you live on the OS map. We will look at the different types of houses in your local area and how they are built.
While we enjoy a milkshake we turn architect. Looking at the possibilities of what we have available in the workshop you can use mini terracotta bricks, real cement, miniature trowels, wooden joists and dowels.
Once we’ve agreed a plan using the protractors, rulers and plotting paper it’s time to turn to the tools and get laying!
You can then choose from the haberdashery to decorate your house, we have had some children make curtains or plant flowers in the gardens, others have used card straws and netting to make a goal for their outdoor footie pitch.
Budding Builders are recommended to be at least six years old. Sessions are two hours long. You will have a facilitator for your small group of no more than 4 pairs, but adult participation is necessary. This is a workshop to do with your little one not sit back and enjoy two hours peace!
We encourage individuality, creativity and working with your child to make a home.
Structures can be purchased at the cost of the replacement materials from £15, but in line with our ethical sustainable practice we encourage photographs to be taken of your treasured build and we can soak the bricks for the next couple to share in the creativity.
Workshops will resume when we can access our hub.
Please email info@theupcreativecommunity.org to register your interest.
We can send you the preparation worksheets in the post.