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Artists plan month-long takeover of Goods Yard neighbourhood
A visual arts collective are set to stage a month-long takeover of the Goods Yard neighbourhood in Stoke-on-Trent, celebrating the transformation underway in the city.
DUST Rising are collaborating with Capital&Centric and Stoke-on-Trent City Council to stage their next exhibition at the historic railway signal box at the site on Glebe Street.
Named ‘Red Amber Green: Transporting the City’, the takeover will run from Friday 29 March 2024 and feature newly commissioned work from 10 artists with links to the city alongside selected work from three Staffordshire University graduates.
Running from Thursday-Sunday, 11-4pm, throughout April, a series of interactive workshops and talks will also feature as part of the programme, with the exhibited work to include painted, drawn, ceramic and mixed media pieces.
Based in Stoke-on-Trent, DUST Rising has an established reputation for presenting contemporary art in unusual settings, with exhibitions exploring and celebrating the location as well as tackling contemporary issues.
‘Red Amber Green: Transporting the City’ will explore the history of the site, the transformation underway and its unique location at the point where the canal, rail and road converge.
Joyce Iwaszko, from DUST Rising, said:
“We live in a world of constant change and there’s significant transformation underway right on our doorsteps. We wanted to explore and celebrate that with new pieces that recognise both the city’s history and its exciting future.
“We can’t wait to showcase brand new work from artists with an affinity to Stoke-on-Trent and welcome people through the Signal Box doors as part of our month-long takeover. It’ll be an accessible and interactive way for people to experience local art, with a whole mix of disciplines set to feature.”
Social impact developers Capital&Centric are forging ahead with the neighbourhood, having recently put a callout for businesses wanting to locate to the work and leisure spaces at the site to get in touch.
Tom Wilmot, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said:
“We love partnering with local art collectives like DUST Rising. The Goods Yard site was once at the industrial heart of Stoke-on-Trent and the new exhibition will use that as inspiration for brand new pieces. Goods Yard may still be a busy construction site, but it’ll be brilliant to give locals a peek behind the hoardings and welcome them back to the Signal Box.”
Capital&Centric are partnering with the council to bring forward the site. Once complete, Goods Yard will be packed with 174 new design-led homes for rent; edgy work spaces; indie bars, cafes and shops; and exciting green outdoor space open to the public.
Councillor Chris Robinson, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Planning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“We welcome the Dust Rising artists to Goods Yard and it’ll be exciting to see the take-over of the Signal Box with artwork relating to the site, our city’s industrial heritage and this changing space.
“This type of collaboration is exactly what we want for the development and the city so that people are involved in its transformation. We want local people and visitors to enjoy the exhibition as well as get a taste of what’s to come when Goods yard is completed next year when they can enjoy more of this new neighbourhood.”
Details of the artists involved in the exhibition will be revealed in the run-up to the event.
This event is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust champions nature-based social prescribing to enhance wellbeing
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is at the forefront of a revolutionary healthcare movement: green social prescribing.
This approach leverages the well-documented benefits of spending time outdoors to improve people’s mental and physical wellbeing. Green social prescribing encourages activities that enhance people’s health and happiness.
This week, Social Prescribing Day celebrated this alternative treatment route. Green social prescribing specifically involves activities that get people outdoors, fostering a reconnection with the natural world. Studies have consistently shown that spending time in nature reduces stress and anxiety, elevates mood, and improves sleep. These calming effects translate into a powerful tool for overall improved wellbeing.
Social prescribing isn't just about the calming effect of nature. Through projects like Wilder Neighbourhoods in Stoke-on-Trent, the Trust also runs in-person group activities which foster social connection and combat loneliness. Whether it's a gentle birdwatching session, hunting for bugs or planting wildflowers in a community space, participating in nature-based activities creates a sense of belonging through shared experiences.
Alexis said: “Green social prescribing can take many forms, which means there’s something to suit everyone. For example, we run gentle guided walks to explore the beauty of Staffordshire. Through these you can learn about local wildlife, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the company of fellow nature enthusiasts.
“We also deliver walk and draw sessions, which encourage you to really notice the details and intricacies of the natural world. And if you’ve never tried it, I absolutely recommend indulging in a bit of forest bathing. This immersive activity focuses on absorbing the sights, sounds, and smells of woodland through a guided experience. We use mindfulness to appreciate the present moment: it leaves you feeling so relaxed!”
Those interested in green social prescribing can speak to their doctor about whether it could be right for them. However, a formal referral isn’t needed to get started. Simply stepping outside for a walk in the park, practicing mindfulness in the garden, or volunteering for a local conservation project can all be ways to experience the positive impact of nature on wellbeing.
To find out more sign-up for the Trust’s free events at: www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/events
The Wilder Neighbourhood project is increasing volunteering and tackling loneliness through the Know Your Neighbourhood fund. Wilder Neighbourhoods is funded by the UK Government, with support from UKCF and the Community Foundation for Staffordshire.
Stoke Creates Exchange Forum FREE hot-desk day!
An inviting opportunity for anyone working in Cultural Industries who wants to join a large community and make useful connections within the sector.
Kat Hughes, Stoke Creates Exchange Forum Lead, said: “Join us at Smithfield, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, UK for a day of networking, collaboration, and productivity. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow creatives, share ideas, and work in a vibrant environment.”
When? 10.00am-4pm on Tuesday 19th March.
Where : Smithfields Clayworks (opposite Mercer Jones)
Kat continued: “This is an unstructured event but there will be opportunity on the day to book 1:1 Artist Support sessions during the day, including advice on fundraising, development, and digital skills for creative freelancers. We will have Access support on hand if you struggle to attend these types of events or want a friendly face to meet you outside and stay with you for a natter and a brew.
“Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or simply looking for a change of scenery, our free hot desk day is the place to be. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of Stoke's creative community. See you there!”
Please note - this venue is suitable for most desk based activities as opposed to any messy creative practices. A light lunch will be provided, and there’s free hot drinks throughout the day too.
Book your free place here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stoke-creates-exchange-forum-free-hot-desk-day-tickets-850411362277?aff=oddtdtcreator
7 Year old Blythe Bridge boy runs 100th 5k parkrun
Alwyn Escolme, 7, from Blythe Bridge and a Springcroft Primary pupil, celebrated his 100th 5k parkrun!
[Blimey, ace work!]
He enjoys running at Hanley parkrun with his dad, Michael, and sometimes explores Trentham or other places during holidays.
Alwyn and his friend Ruby, 5, (pictured) share a passion for the Hanley parkrun.
Parkruns, held at 9am on Saturdays, are free, inclusive 5k events in Hanley Park, Trentham Gardens, and The Whammy in Newcastle.
Alwyn also participates in junior parkruns for 4-14-year-olds, having completed 112 of these 2k runs, with his dad volunteering at these child-focused events.
Stoke-on-Trent Celebrates Disability and Creativity at FRONTLINE Arts Festival
Stoke-on-Trent is set to host the FRONTLINE Arts Festival – Legacy Event on 28th March at The Catalyst Building, Staffordshire University.
Organised by the Stoke-based integrated dance company FRONTLINEdance, this festival champions d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists.
The day promises performances, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, featuring spoken word, music, poetry, and the premiere of commissioned films.
Admission is "pay as you feel," welcoming all to partake in a dialogue on disability, creativity, and the arts.
Artistic Director Rachael Lines emphasises the event as a platform for showcasing national talent and fostering connections.
Volunteers are welcome to support this inclusive celebration of artistry and advocacy. For more details and to book tickets, visit: FRONTLINEdance
Poetry Party! This Sunday afternoon!
Curated by popular North Staffs poet Gabriella Gay, join the studio audience for this not to be missed hour of contemporary poetry and inspiring voices.
Stoke Creates Exchange Forum in association with Honey Box Live presents some of North Staffordshire and the West Midlands’ finest poets and spoken word artists at a special live-streamed studio event on Sunday 17th March.
The live audience event takes place at B Arts in Stoke (72 Hartshill Rd, Stoke, ST4 7RB). Doors and bar open to the public at 2pm, with the online live streamed hour starting at 3pm.
Tickets (free!) to join the studio audience are available here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-party-tickets-851492616337
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