Festival of Making

Our year-round work has produced a range of incredible projects. View a snapshot of that work here.

A person in a burgundy hat and leather vest crouches joyfully beside a collection of clay weasels sculptures in a bright art gallery setting.

YESS Lad, 2023. Photo by Rachel Bywater.

Two men in traditional clothing write messages on a large outdoor chalkboard filled with colourful chalk writing. One man films the scene on his phone; a shopping centre sign and greenery are visible in the background.

The People's Jury, 2024. Photo by Get it Done.

A person wearing headphones sits on a rug, adjusting electronic equipment and wires, with a laptop nearby. Another person with their back to the camera observes from a sofa. The setting appears to be a creative studio.

Clocking In, 2022. Photo by Bea Davidson.

A person wearing a mask displays a handmade ceramic bracelet whilst sitting at a table with jewellery-making tools and supplies. Another masked person is seated in the background.

Adorning with Clay, 2022. Photo by Bea Davidson.

A person with glasses and patterned trousers sits on grass, smiling, in front of large white words painted in a spiral pattern on the lawn in a park-like setting. Trees and a stone wall are in the background.

Of Earth & Sky, 2021. Photo by Bea Davidson.

A woman in a hijab and glasses stands smiling at the front of a table where several people are seated, working on arts and crafts with paper, markers, and cups in a brightly lit room.

Winding Workshop by Nowshin Prenon, 2025. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

A colourful shopfront window advertises a free festival with bold graphics and event details. Two bicycles are parked outside, and blurred pedestrians walk past the HANDICRAFTS shop sign on a red brick building.

MikeSian Studio Fred Aldous Window, 2025. Photo by Liam Chilton.

A woman in glasses and a yellow shirt pins paper cut-outs onto a blue display board, looking at the camera. Bright artwork and decorations are visible in the background.

Fantastical Fairground, 2023. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A museum exhibition with framed portraits, colourful quilts, display cases featuring miniature dioramas, and a wall with medals and lanyards, all arranged in a brightly lit room with dark blue walls.

Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A person with curly hair, glasses, and a black-and-white printed shirt stands smiling with arms raised under a wooden archway on a city street; deckchairs and buildings are visible in the background.

The Welcome Arch by Dual Works, 2023. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Four women sit at a table working on crafts with red paper. Reels of green thread are in the foreground, and the women appear focused and engaged in their activity.

Stitch School Workshop, 2024. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

A person wearing glasses and a black cap with an

YESS Lad, 2023. Photo by Rachel Bywater.

A close-up of a quilt featuring a patchwork design with ornate patterns and a central fabric portrait of a person in historical clothing, surrounded by red, gold, and green fabric squares.

Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A vibrant, futuristic room with glowing pink, blue, and yellow lights features curved walls, circular openings, and two people exploring the surreal, tunnel-like space.

Dodecalis Luminarium, 2021. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A woman wearing a blue shirt and apron works on a clay sculpture at a table, smiling. Behind her is a stone fireplace with colourful abstract decorations on the mantelpiece. Art supplies are on the table.

Assembly with Maisie Pritchard, 2022. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Two people work on colourful tufted yarn art pieces in wooden frames at a craft workshop. Yarn scraps are scattered on the table. Photos and clothing hang on the walls in the background.

Tufting Workshop by Alena Ruth Donely, 2024. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

Two people stand outside a stone building, smiling and pointing up at a sign that reads THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON OUR ACTIONS TODAY. Chalk drawings are on the pavement near their feet.

The People's Jury, 2024. Photo by Bea Davidson.

Three people discuss colourful artwork displayed in a gallery. A man gestures toward a vivid abstract painting.

YESS Lad, 2023. Photo by Rachel Bywater.

A colourful board game with a river, bridges, a small pagoda, and paper tents. Cardboard character standees and game pieces are arranged around the board on a detailed landscape map.

Let's Play DnD Workshop by Rose Whittaker and Niels Jansen, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A colourful crocheted rainbow arch with large white letters spelling OSSYWOOD is displayed above a glass case. Multicoloured balls and quilts appear in the background, along with framed artwork on the wall.

Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A round wooden sign with the words FANTASTICAL THOUGHTS and What does a COLLECTIVE CANAL look like? is displayed outdoors near trees and buildings.

The Collective Canal, 2022. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A smartphone on a tripod records two people’s hands playing a colourful board game, with tokens and pieces spread on a brown surface.

Digital Stories, 2021. Photo by Ed Waring.

A bearded man with glasses talks to a group of people at an outdoor market stall, surrounded by hanging potted plants in clear containers, with buildings and other shoppers in the background.

Blackburn Urban Food Futures, 2024. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Close-up of hands using a small metal square cutter on rolled-out, multicoloured clay, with a rolling pin and tools on the table in the background.

Adorning with Clay, 2022. Photo by Bea Davidson.

Two people in black hoodies stand inside a wooden greenhouse structure, surrounded by green leafy plants, with sunlight streaming through the glass and plants in the foreground.

Plant it up! 2023. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A person holds a small, square, colourful object made of interwoven strips in blue, orange, yellow, and brown, pattern resembling a mosaic or textile art piece.

Winding Workshop by Nowshin Prenon, 2025. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

A group of people work and talk at tables in a bright, room with high ceilings and skylights. Sunlight streams in, creating patterns on the white walls and wood-patterned floor.

Assembly Workshop, 2022. Photo by Bea Davidson.

Children and a woman look at a colourful, whimsical machine with tubes and lights at an indoor event, surrounded by a festive atmosphere.

Thingamabobas, 2023. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Two older men stand and talk in front of large white panels covered in handwritten text. One man holds a walking stick. The scene is indoors, with a blurred woman and child in the foreground on the left.

YESS Lad, 2023. Photo by Rachel Bywater.

A collection of colourful pins and badges with various slogans and images, such as rainbows, cartoon characters, and positive messages, arranged next to concert tickets and other memorabilia.

Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A young man in a white shirt explains pottery techniques to a small group of attentive adults seated around a table, with pottery tools and painted plates in front of him.

Sgraffito Workshop by Ben Hall 2025. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

A wide view of an Blackburn Rovers stadium with blue seats and a message on the pitch that reads MISS YOU MATE inside the centre circle.

Of Earth & Sky, 2021. Photo by JC Drones.

A person uses a carving tool to shape a piece of clay on a table, surrounded by other pottery tools and supplies, whilst others work in the background.

Pottery Workshop by Hollie Cooper, 2023. Photo by Bea Davidson.

A person in a black hooded jacket observes a gallery wall with a grid of colourful abstract art pieces. Texts about the exhibition are visible on the wall.

YESS Lad, 2023. Photo by Rachel Bywater.

A close-up of a crocheted giraffe surrounded by various colourful handmade puppets and stuffed toys, with comic books featuring X-Men and Batman visible in the background.

Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A woman wearing a patterned dress and headscarf kneels beside a young child in a park near a pond, with large white text painted on the path around them and trees in the background.

Of Earth & Sky, 2021. Photo by Bea Davidson.

People view a gallery wall featuring six photos of hands crafting objects.

Assembly with Maisie Pritchard, 2022. Photo by Jack Bolton.

A woman with long dark hair smiles as she crafts a colourful hanging decoration with paper flowers and circular cut-outs in a bright, indoor setting.

Pajaki Making Workshop by Karolina Merska, 2024. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

A woman wearing headphones plays an electric bass guitar at a table with a laptop, keyboard, and other audio equipment. Another person operates a music controller. Colourful lights and projections fill the room.

Clocking In, 2022. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Two men in suits stand in front of a wall decorated with blue circular plaques featuring white text. One man gestures animatedly, while the other looks ahead with a neutral expression.

YESS Lad, 2023. Photo by Rachel Bywater.

A vintage camera on a tripod is in sharp focus in the foreground, whilst a smiling couple stands blurred in the background against a plain backdrop under studio lights.

The Obscura Photowall, 2024. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A mannequin dressed in a futuristic red outfit with a Star Trek badge, black belts, and an elaborate headpiece stands in focus, with other mannequins and blurred, colourful background elements behind it.

Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A wooden structure holds multiple transparent containers filled with soil and plants, connected by plastic tubes, set outdoors under a leafy tree with buildings visible in the background.

Blackburn Urban Food Futures, 2024. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A red iron bridge over a calm canal displays large white letters reading YOU MADE US REFLECT, with the words and autumn trees reflected in the water below.

Of Earth & Sky, 2021. Photo by Bea Davidson.

A person’s hand rests on a vibrant embroidered fabric featuring a sun and various colourful designs, with spools of thread in the foreground.

Stitch School Workshop, 2024. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

Person’s hands crafting with wood pieces and straw at a table, using a small tool. Various wooden parts and crafting materials are spread around the workspace.

Miniature Techniques Workshop by Rose Whittaker, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A woman wearing glasses and a beige jumper sits at a table with colourful spools of thread, laughing joyfully whilst working on a fabric art project.

Stitch School Workshop, 2024. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

A smiling person in a green jacket interacts with children at a table covered in art supplies, with framed paintings hanging on the wall behind them in a classroom or museum setting.

Transform a Miniature Ford Escort Car Workshop by Hetain Patel, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Two people work together at a table with a laptop. One person, wearing glasses and a grey shirt, smiles at the screen. The other, in a striped shirt and face mask, is focused on the laptop.

Digital Stories, 2021. Photo by Ed Waring.

A person uses a pointed tool to carve the outline of a bird onto a round, grey clay plate resting on a table.

Sgraffito Workshop by Ben Hall 2025. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

Two people, seen from above, dip paint rollers into a bucket of white paint while painting large stencilled letters on grass in sunny outdoor conditions.

Of Earth & Sky, 2021. Photo by Bea Davidson.

A young girl smiles while reclining inside a tunnel lit with vibrant blue and pink lights, creating a colourful and playful atmosphere.

Dodecalis Luminarium, 2021. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A shopfront with “HANDICRAFTS” above the window displays colourful posters for an art event with red spotted mushrooms, dates 6 & 7 July, and event details. Blurred pedestrians pass by on the pavement.

Ren Wolfe Fred Aldous Window, 2024. Photo by Liam Chilton.

People work on artworks paper and clay at a table in a bright studio. A woman in the centre smiles and reaches towards a sculpture, whilst others focus on their own work in the background.

Assembly Workshop, 2022. Photo by Bea Davidson.

A display of crocheted toys, including a large grey creature with tusks and orange hair, a crocheted giraffe, and various collectable figurines on a shelf. Comic books are partially visible below the toys.

Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A person wearing a mask walks past a building with a sign reading The Making Rooms. Poetry in white text is sprayed on the pavement and there are flower planters on the left side of the image.

Of Earth & Sky, 2021. Photo by Bea Davidson.

A colourful window display features a cartoon illustration of a child with curly hair drawing on paper, holding a large pink crayon. Another cartoon character in a red-striped shirt appears upside down above them.

Hollie Fuller Fred Aldous Window, 2023. Photo by Liam Chilton.

An older woman with grey hair smiles whilst sitting under a colourful wooden structure at an outdoor event. People and trees are visible in the background, creating a lively atmosphere.

The Welcome Arch by Dual Works, 2023. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

A smiling toddler walks whilst holding hands with an adult inside a large, brightly lit inflatable structure with green and red glowing patterns. Other people sit and play in the colourful background.

Dodecalis Luminarium, 2021. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Spider-Man figure sits on a blue pedestal against a dark background, arms resting on knees.

Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A shopfront with a sign reading HANDICRAFTS displays colourful artwork and text promoting a free festival by artist Hollie Fuller. The window is decorated with illustrated characters and event details for 8 & 9 July.

Hollie Fuller Fred Aldous Window, 2023. Photo by Liam Chilton.

A group of women stand in a circle indoors, listening to the artist speaking and gesturing near a table with art supplies.

Adorning with Clay, 2022. Photo by Bea Davidson.

A girl in a pink coat leans over a table, drawing on paper, whilst two adults stand nearby. One adult wears a Made in Birmingham shirt and the other smiles, watching the girl.

The Welcome Arch by Dual Works, 2023. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

Two people view a wall display of blue circular plaques with white writing, each commemorating different individuals with their names, dates, and brief descriptions.

YESS Lad, 2023. Photo by Rachel Bywater.

A smiling girl with glasses sits on the floor between two adults, one wearing a mask, gathered around a phone on a tripod.

Digital Stories, 2021. Photo by Ed Waring.

A person wearing a black and white striped jumper uses pliers to assemble a hanging jewellery piece made of ceramic beads at a table.

Adorning with Clay, 2022. Photo by Bea Davidson.

A person writes on a blue sign with white text using a black marker pen. The sign is taped to a white arrow with a red tip, and crafting tools and cables are nearby on a green surface.

MikeSian Studio Fred Aldous Window, 2025. Photo by Liam Chilton.

Three people sit on stage having a discussion in front of an audience in a dimly lit room. One person speaks into a microphone whilst the others listen. The audience is seated on benches, and a large screen is behind the speakers.

Dirty Faces Cinema, 2023. Photo by Derren Lee Poole.

A person with green nail varnish uses a craft knife to cut a piece of wood-look material on a green cutting mat, holding it steady with their other hand.

Marquetry Workshop by Emily Parkin, 2025. Photo by Emma Colbert-Mooring.

A group of people, led by a smiling older woman in a brown dress and a man in a waistcoat, dance in a bright, spacious room with large windows and wooden floors.

Charleston Workshop by Anthony & Steph, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A person wearing headphones and sunglasses leans closely towards a laptop screen, focusing intently whilst using the keyboard. The laptop displays audio editing software, and there is studio equipment nearby.

Clocking In, 2022. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A brightly coloured model biplane with red, orange, and white stripes is displayed indoors on a blue shelf above framed pictures and a patchwork quilt.

Come As You Really Are by Hetain Patel, 2025. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Colourful miniature playground equipment, including a purple seesaw, round structures, and green and pink climbing frames, arranged on a board with patches of artificial grass and tan pathways.

The Collective Canal, 2022. Photo by Robin Zahler.

A person and a child walk through a glowing tunnel with blue and pink neon lights and curved, radiating lines on the ceiling, creating a futuristic atmosphere.

Dodecalis Luminarium, 2021. Photo by Robin Zahler.

Of Earth & Sky

Artist Luke Jerram, in collaboration with poet Hafsah Aneela Bashir, brought giant-scale poetry to life across Blackburn with Darwen, transforming public spaces into powerful canvases of words.

Film by Jake Owen Powell

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Dodecalis Luminarium

Over 4 days in August 2021, thousands of people entered the Dodecalis Luminarium and enjoyed a magical journey through the winding paths and vast domes of the monumental, inflatable sculpture at Corporation Park.

Film by Jake Owen Powell

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Rise of the Plastic Artisans

An Art in Manufacturing commissioned project, Sodium Films documented the people and processes behind recycled plastic manufacturing, drawing on the innovation at play at Precious Plastic Lancaster.

Film by Sodium Films

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Browse our full collection of films on YouTube.

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