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  • Creative Inspiration
  1. Get involved

Creative Inspiration

Want to get creative?

There are so many ways to express yourself creatively, from performing (singing, dancing, acting) to crafting (knitting, sewing, embroidery) to visual arts (drawing, painting, photography) - or even just being creative in your kitchen or garden. We've put together a few inspirational ideas to get your creative juices flowing . . .

Looking for a creative group to join?

Across the UK and Ireland, tens of thousands of creative groups regularly meet up in libraries, church halls, community and arts centres. You'll find some of them on our Creativity Map, which is growing all the time - and it's worth checking out your local library, local authority website or local community centre to see who's meeting there.

You can also browse our list of artform 'Umbrella Bodies' - organisations that specialise in particular artforms and can connect you with a wide range of groups in your area.


Get involved in one of our creative projects

  • Gwanwyn Poetry Prompts

To help celebrate Gwanwyn, we commissioned the poet Jonathan Edwards to create two new resources that encourage people to try their hand at writing poetry. You can pick one or both of the writing prompts below, and have a go at writing your own poem. Learn more.

    • Jubilee Banner Making

    Join our series of community workshops led by artist Zo Defferary where you'll learn to make some fabulous banners and join Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. (11 & 21 May) Register for FREE.

    • Nottinghamshire Crafters' Challenge

    A new creative challenge for local crafters in Nottinghamshire to showcase their creative skills and to support a charitable cause. Learn more.

    More creative opportunities are listed every week here.


    Other fun creative projects to take part in

      • The Big Draw Festival

      Take part in this worldwide celebration of drawing which encourages people to get back to the drawing board! The festival consists of a collection of thousands of creative events, activities, and workshops across the globe run by organisations big and small; from individuals to entire cities! It is you, the Organisers, who make our dreams a reality... Learn more.

      • The Wonderous Stories Post Box

      Calling people in the West Midlands to share stories about life in the region in the lead up to the Birmingham 2022 Festival. Stories will mark a moment in time as Birmingham and the West Midlands become the focus of international attention through the Commonwealth Games. Learn more.

      • Weekly creative activities for older people

      Discover a series of weekly creative activities throughout 2022 as part of The National Activity Providers Association's Year of Creativity. Learn more.


      Get inspired by others

      • Stories of creativity - learn why and how getting creative can improve people's lives

      • Cardiff Museum Drawing Group - see the latest creations of a group of people that came together to begin exploring National Museum Cardiff’s collections through drawing...

      • #CreativeNetwork - meet and chat with peers on various themes. See what's on.

      • Creative Lives On Air - hear some of the best stories from creative people and groups. 

      • New Beginnings - a photography exhibition that marks the beginning of 2022 through the eyes of people living in East Anglia. See it online. 

      • Creative Conversations

      Orcadian designer Kirsteen chats with other local craftsfolk. Listen to this BBC Radio Scotland series online via BBC Sounds.

      • Creative Group of the Week

      Part of our weekly series of spotlights on creative community groups brought together by people's genuine passion for creativity, discover May Project Gardens - a South London-based grassroots organisation has a strong mission to empower marginalised groups to address poverty and access to resources, and to exert influence through sustainability and creativity. 


      Some great creative TV programmes to add to your binge-watch list:

      Screenshot BBC iPlayer - The Great British Sewing Bee

      • The Great British Sewing Bee 

      Amateur sewers compete to impress judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, hoping to be crowned Britain’s most sensational seamster. Watch it online via BBC iPlayer.

      • Battle of the Brass Bands

      Follow some of Britain's most famous brass bands - from Cory Band to Brighouse and Rastrick - as they compete against each other in national competitions. Watch it online via Sky Arts.

      Screenshot from BBC iPlayer - The Great British Sewing Bee

      • The Great British Bake Off

      Noel Fielding and Matt Lucas welcome more amateur bakers, as 12 new hopefuls in a brand-new bubble enter the iconic white tent. Watch it online via Channel 4. 

      • The Great Pottery Throw Down
      Amateur potters compete against one another in a pottery competition, where they attempt to design pieces of art and beautiful utensils to win. Watch it online via Channel 4. 

      Published: 10th January, 2022

      Updated: 5th May, 2022

      Author: Andreea Lupu

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