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.

As CG explores the use of data to support arts engagement in schools, we will signpost a range of datasets you might find useful when planning new projects or longer-term strategies.

First up: school data. 

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. 

As Create Gloucestershire delves more deeply into data and how it can support innovation and collaboration in the arts and cultural sector, we are delighted to welcome Tim Davies as a Digital Catalyst to our team.   

This post explores the many different relationships between data and art, and introduces out plans for a data-art hack event later this spring.

This month we want to share a new Community Producer role, some events coming up soon and a request for all of you...

Read our newsletter online here

Hello there,

Well we're nearly at the end of another year in arts and culture and its been a real pleasure to meet so many of you, hear what you are up to and see the changes you are making happen across Gloucestershire.  

Shalize Nicholas, the founder of Madia & Matilda, talks to us about her journey from starting her sustainable fashion business to making it a success

Create Gloucestershire is working in partnership with Real Ideas Organisation (RIO) to deliver a highly subsidised in-house training session for schools, independent artists, makers, employees of arts organisations, museums, libraries and music education hubs who want to become Discover and Explore Arts Award Advisers in Gloucestershire. 

Are you an ambitious creative business in Gloucestershire?

If so take a look at this inspirational one-day business development workshop, PLUS follow up support, which is being delivered by The Growth Hub and Create Gloucestershire. 

The workshop take place on Wednesday 19th September 2018, one of the first to be hosted at the stunning new Growth Hub in Gloucester.

Join us for our next Pop Up meeting where we'll b exploring the Opportunities & Challenges of Digital Technology - 11th September 10am - 12pm, Moreton in the Marsh

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.

Sir Nicholas Serota heralds a new creative chapter for Matson and meets community leaders involved in setting up GL4 and Culture Matson.

Create Gloucestershire was fortunate to be involved in an life changing initiative, the Creative Employment Programme which supported 40 young people as paid interns and apprentices in 20 different creative organisations/SME’s in taking their first step into working in the creative sector. Of those 40 young people, over half of them were kept on by their employer or moved on to further study.