We were delighted to be asked by the British Libraries as part of their Living Knowledge Network to talk about Art of Libraries and the impact it has had on two early adopter libraries in very different settings, and how they engage with local communities and tailor strategies to their individual areas. 

Twinberrow Sculpture Trail in Dursley woods has now got a beautiful new piece for people to view.

A group of Cam Mum’s led by Emma Scott and Stacey Dent-Beeston began working on the project through a scheme started by Create Gloucestershire, and Dursley Library as part of the Art for Libraries initiative.

Many library staff have been involved in the Art of Libraries programme – both in local libraries and in supporting teams. In this blog we hear from Jill Barker - who was involved with Create Gloucestershire as the development manager on the original Art of Libraries programme and reflects on the pilot. We’ll also hear from Curtis Fulcher who has recently joined the team as the development manager after Jill's retirement, as he brings us up to speed with new developments across the library service and a look to the future of creativity in libraries.

Brave Bold Drama, an award-winning theatre & community arts company created by Paul Lawless & Gill Simmons was one of the commissions. They brought their project ‘The Company of International Artists’ to children in Gloucestershire. We talked to them about the project, working with Gloucestershire Libraries and what they learnt changing their work from a live experience to a blended model of delivery - incorporating creative packs (delivered by post!), video downloads as well live online content.

In 2021 Gloucester Libraries commissioned two artists to test new and innovative ways for libraries to engage virtually with families whilst they were closed. Rizpah Amadasun was one of the artists selected. She created interactive story workshops online where families were guided through building their own fairy-tale. We talked to her about her experience of working with Gloucestershire Libraries in a new digital format…

During the pandemic Glos libraries have been working with Can’t Sit Still amongst others to develop and adapt their show ‘Play-Along Plink and Boo’ which was originally planned as in library performances with live audiences, to digital interactive theatre performances for children and their families to enjoy from home.

Stand-up poet, give-up musician and lo-fi theatre maker Jonny Fluffypunk has been dragging his art around the country and occasionally beyond for over 20 years. Fiercely DIY, resolutely home-made and by turns funny, wistful and oddly moving, Jonny's work is both a celebration of the beauty in the mundane and an elaborate cry for help.

As a legacy to the Art of Libraries test pilot we ran in partnership with 6 Gloucestershire based libraries between 2017-2020, Glos libraries will soon be launching the Art of Libraries toolkit.

The toolkit shares a plethora of both creative and practical ideas to support artists and library staff to work together to co-create an irresistible creative programme for children and young people. The aim is to inspire and encourage them to be creative and try something new - from music to drama, storytelling, circus or animation to name a few of the sessions on offer.

Anne Careless from Tewkesbury Library recalls her Arts Award journey, and how the team delivered the Make-aways alongside Discover at Home.

Aimee is currently on a creative leadership programme with Gloucester Culture Trust, working for Gloucestershire Libraries and for two days a week at Strike A Light. She helps engage with people through creative projects based in libraries across Gloucester. 

We caught up with her 3 months into her traineeship…

Matson came on board as one of the Art of Libraries test libraries in October 2017 but before I talk about the project, and my role as a Creative Catalyst, I just want to set the scene and talk a bit about Matson, just to give an understanding of the context in which we are working.

As part of the winter programme 2018/19 we had the absolute pleasure of not only bringing Interactive Storytelling sessions to libraries across Gloucestershire; but also working with library staff about they can develop their storytelling skills.  

Can’t Sit Still were delighted to bring our new show, ​Plink & Boo​​, to both Matson and Gloucester Libraries as a ‘test’ partnership between the Art of Libraries Programme, run by Create Gloucestershire with Gloucestershire Libraries Service, and the GL4/Strike A Light Festivals.

At the end of March last year, a rather unusual event took place in Dursley library; after the doors closed for the evening, the Dursley team, the creative catalyst and selected members of the Dursley community embarked on two hours of mindreading training! 

At the end of March last year, a rather unusual event took place in Dursley library; after the doors closed for the evening, the Dursley team, the creative catalyst and selected members of the Dursley community embarked on two hours of mindreading training! 

The Creative Mothers programme is an initiative between Art of Libraries and artist Lizzie Philps, supported by Procreate Projects and inspired by the Mother House Studio.

Feral Productions tour Forest Libraries as part of Art of Libraries 

In the first of our blogs leading up to the Art of Libraries Celebration and Learning event we would like to share the experience of Feral Productions when they tested out a new version of their production of Follow Me in Coleford and Lydney Library in the Forest of Dean. 

Join us for a daylong event to listen, share, exchange insights and experiences around the potential of libraries as creative, playful spaces for children, young people and families to take their first steps into arts and culture in Gloucestershire. 

Looking for something creative and free to do this summer? There are over 60 workshops especially for with children, young people and families happening in Gloucester, Matson, Coleford, Tewkesbury, Moreton in Marsh and Dursley Library as part of Art of Libraries.