Creative Development

 

 

 

 

St Helens is home to a growing, vibrant, and inclusive creative community—and Arts in Libraries is proud to be supporting its development. As part of our Artists & Creative Development strand, we've commissioned Artist-Led to deliver a dynamic programme shaped directly by the findings of the recent Creative Industries Survey.

This programme is built around what local artists told us they need: more opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow. It's open to artists of all disciplines and at every stage of their creative journey—from emerging talent to established professionals. Whether you're a visual artist, performer, writer, maker, or working in digital media, you're invited to be part of this supportive and inspiring network.

What's included?

• Networking events to meet fellow creatives, share ideas, and spark new collaborations.
• Mentoring opportunities with experienced artists to help develop your practice and navigate your career.
• Peer support groups offering regular meetups, feedback sessions, and a space to build community and resilience.

This is more than a programme—it's a movement to empower artists, strengthen creative connections, and build a sustainable creative ecosystem in St Helens. Every element has been designed in response to the voices of our local creative community.

Together, we're laying the foundations for a stronger, more connected creative future in St Helens.

Be part of it. #CreativeStHelens

Upcoming Events 

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Creating Space: The hosts have borrowed equipment from the equipment library and "creating space" for others to join them, either to learn something new or to work on your own projects using the equipment.

Dates and Details:

• Using projectors with Dave Bixter (11am-5pm) - 13th, 20th, 27th November and 4th December 2025
• Using the photography studio equipment with Angela Wilkinson (11am - 5pm) - 29th November and 6th, 13th and 20th December 2025

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Unfinished Projects (The after school homework club)

The Unfinished Project [After school homework club] is a series of creative sessions facilitated by Filmmaker and Comedian Cameron Jones to offer artists of all disciplines a space to finish those projects that have fallen by the wayside. The weekly meetups will see local creatives supporting and holding each other accountable to finish their work...

Thursday evenings 5-8pm 13th, 20th, 27th November and 4th, 11th, 18th December 2025.

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Art School

• Event Planning 2 - keeping people safe - 15th November 2025 (10am - 1pm)
• Keeping evaluation creative - 22nd November 2025 (1pm-4pm)
• Funding - approaches that work for artists - 1st December 2025 (1pm-3pm)
• Funding for creatives - writing an application - 8th December 2025 (10am-4pm)
• Free Art School - Revision session - 15th December 2025 (10am-4pm)

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Co-working Space10am - 4pm on Saturdays  15th, 22nd, 29th November 2025

These are days where we open up 11 Haydock Street for people to use the venue to do creative things with more space and surrounded by like-minded people!!

No booking necessary, just turn up when you need a break from the kitchen table!

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Putting Stuff On! Programme - SHIFT with Tobias Ferguson

This exhibition will showcase work from local artists in response to the concept of "Shift".

Celebration & Launch event TBC

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Want to know more?

There are lots of ways to stay connected with Artist-Led and keep up to date with events, opportunities, and creative activity in St Helens:

Linktree - Your one-stop hub for all our links:
https://linktr.ee/artistledsthelens

Instagram - Follow us for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and event news:
@artistledsthelens

Facebook - We regularly post updates and opportunities here too:
facebook.com/artistledStHelens

Eventbrite - Book onto our events and workshops:
Artist-Led on Eventbrite - httphttps://www.eventbrite.com/o/artist-led-st-helens-104135192191

WhatsApp Channel - Get reminders and call-outs straight to your phone:
Join our WhatsApp Channel - https://tr.ee/nTEi3HpUK5