Book Now! Open Space 2026
How can we grow creativity in our communities better, together?
We're holding a day for anyone who cares about creativity in Gloucestershire, and we'd love you to come.
We're bringing together a wide mix of people - artists, community connectors, people who work with creativity every day and people who are creativity curious - to share what they’re noticing, ask some honest questions, and see what emerges.
The question at the heart of the day is: how can we grow creativity in our communities better, together?
We'll be working in Open Space, where the agenda is shaped by the people in the room on the day. We're aiming for a day that feels warm, unhurried and genuinely useful, with good food, time to connect, and something real to take away.
When: Wednesday 16 September, 9.30am–2.30pm (optional stay and chat til 3.30pm)
Where: Friendship Cafe, Chequers Bridge Centre, Painswick Road, Gloucester, GL4 6PR
FREE to attend, lunch provided - book now to secure your place
Who's it for?
Anyone with a stake in creativity and community in Gloucestershire. We're actively trying to reach beyond the usual suspects, so if you work in arts and culture, in health, in community development, in education - or if you just think creativity matters where you live - this is for you. Bring a friend.
You might be wondering…
• Do I need a fully formed idea to come? No. Just something you're curious about or noticing in your own work or community is enough.
• Will I have to lead a conversation? Only if you want to. Some people have a burning question they want to share, some spend the day in conversation, and some are there to listen. How you take part is up to you.
• Is this really for me if I'm not “arts and culture”? Yes. Creativity is also the imagination and problem-solving that people bring to their work and communities. If that matters to you, you belong in the room.
Support to take part
We want the day to work for you, whatever that takes. There are three ways we can help.
• Bursaries for freelancers. If your work isn't paying you to be there, we have a limited number of £75 bursaries to help make it possible.
• Support costs. If things like travel or childcare are getting in the way, we can offer up to £50 towards these.
• Access requirements. If you're disabled or have other needs we should know about, tell us when you book and we'll do our best to make the day welcoming and accessible for you.
For bursaries or support costs, contact Sophia sophia@creategloucestershire.co.uk before you book, as these are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. For access requirements, just let us know as part of booking.
Travel and parking
We encourage people to travel by bike or public transport wherever possible. Parking is also available on site - if you know someone who might need a lift, please offer a ride share if you can.
We can’t wait to see you there!
If you have any questions please contact sophia@creategloucestershire.co.uk