We work with artists, makers and communities to create extraordinary projects.

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

Making is at the core of everything we do, woven into our work throughout the year. 

Offering experiences that extend the festival beyond a weekend, our workshop series is just one way we invite people to engage with making. Through projects, learning programmes, and work with people and groups, we tell stories and build connections to create shared cultural experiences across Lancashire and beyond. 

Our year-round programme responds to people and place, and provides artists and communities with the space to experiment, learn, and make together.

Projects

Our projects grow from collaborations. We support and commission new work, develop and expand installations for different environments, and create opportunities for people to connect through making.

Explore our portfolio of current and past projects to see how communities, artists and makers shape the work we do.

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Featured Projects

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: Hetain Patel

A celebration of the nation's hobbies, bringing together a network of arts and culture organisations led by artist Hetain Patel and commissioner Art Angel.

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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: Get It Done

Rooted in principles of co-design, the National Festival of Making worked with Blackburn with Darwen’s People’s Jury on the Climate Crisis over 12 months.

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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 and Sky: Luke Jerram

Artist Luke Jerram, in collaboration with poet Hafsah Aneela Bashir, brought giant-scale poetry to life across Blackburn with Darwen.

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A group gathers around a table working on a project; one person stands smiling, holding an artwork in a clear plastic box, while others sit or stand nearby. Shelves of boxes line the background.

People & Groups

People are always at the centre of our work. Whether it’s through our focus group, volunteering, or Creatives of Blackburn (CoB), there are many ways to get involved with our work and programmes.

Outside of public programmes and groups, we also collaborate with partners on strategic initiatives and development opportunities, including LANDS (Lancashire Arts Network for Developing Sustainability), Arts Lancashire, Lancashire Business Board and Blackburn’s Place Partnership.

Explore People & Groups

Donate Now: Help Keep Making Free for Everyone

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Learning

Getting young people and teachers involved in making is hugely important to us, whether in primary or secondary education, through youth organisations and libraries, or in higher education settings.

We engage with schools and educators on a local and national level through speaking events, seminars, workshops and Live Briefs.

Visit our Learning page

A group of students in dark clothing stand in a large, historic hall with stained glass windows, listening to a person speaking. Sculptural art pieces lie on wooden panels on the floor.

I’m very grateful to be a member of this collective and feel like the benefits of this group have instantly been felt. I’m extremely glad I joined and value this opportunity very much.

CoB Member

I find that The Festival Of Making are doing brilliant work with and for the community, which I love to see and ultimately benefit from.

Workshop Participant