If you have been following our progress over the last 12 months, you will have seen us launch the Glossop Creates initiative.
The brainchild of a group of Glossop creatives, and supported by funding from both High Peak Borough Council and Arts Council England, Glossop Creates aims to develop an identity for the town around the fantastic creatives that live here.
Glossop is a creative place. But sometimes I think its is easy to overlook the fact as its creativity is hidden. In studios, in offices & in the homes of those busy being creative.
The thinking behind Glossop creates was to nurture this creativity by supporting our creative community, and celebrating their work.
It’s about more than Buildings
As we try to create a cohesive vision for Glossop, its easy to think that its all about the buildings. Indeed, my last two posts have been about just that. But whilst Victoria Hall and the Town Hall complex are both vital pieces of the jigsaw, they do not have a future if they do not become the beating heart of a creative community.
Enter Glossop Creates.
In parallel with the work with partners (HPBC for the town Hall, and VAC/FOVH for Victoria Hall) to refurbish and bring the halls back into use, Glossop Creates aims to develop and support the creative community that will one day be key users of these buildings.
The Heritage Angle
Yes, today Glossop has a vibrant creative community, but it also has a rich heritage. A heritage that is rooted in the creativity of the industrial revolution.
Throughout its history, Glossop has been associated with creatives. From Beatrix Potter, who’s Grandfather Edmund owned a Calico printing works in Dinting, and who sent printed Calico to his granddaughter which she used to dress her toys, the inspiration behind her magical stories. To LS Lowry, who lived locally and died in Woods Hospital, and Vivienne Westwood who grew up in the town and likely took exams in Victoria Hall.
Forward to today, and the town is home to may writers, Artists, Musicians and other Creatives, both established, and up and coming.
Our hope is that Glossop Creates will deliver a town where creativity is nurtured and celebrated. Creating an environment that will inspire and encourage the next generation of Lowry’s, Potter’s and Westwood’s.
If you want to learn more about Glossop Creates, sign up as a member & supporter, and we will keep you up to date