Several arts organisations based in Huddersfield’s Piazza Centre, including MakerWorld, have joined forces on a new project, Creative Piazza.
The innovative collaboration sees West Yorkshire Print Workshop, Thread Republic, Collaborarti, The Creative Wellness Centre, MakerWorld, MakerSkate, MakerNoise and Shared Goods coming together to celebrate the already thriving holistic creative destination in the heart of the town centre.
Supported by Kirklees Council, Arts Council England, the One Community Foundation, and the Postcode Lottery Fund and Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, Creative Piazza will officially launch this winter, inviting visitors to explore a range of events, activities, workshops and exhibitions at the Piazza, which is scheduled for demolition as part of Kirklees Council’s Our Cultural Heart project.
This collaboration is a development of the Temporary Contemporary programme, a partnership initiative between Kirklees Council’s Creative Development Team and the University of Huddersfield’s School of Arts & Humanities. This programme made use of empty retail units as ‘meanwhile spaces’ to showcase those in the creative sector and to bring vibrancy to the high-street. Creative Piazza continues to support the local arts and culture activity already taking place in the area.
“Creative Piazza is already a vibrant hub for creativity and community involvement,” said Chloe Williams, director of The Children’s Art School, “This initiative not only celebrates the way we’re already making the most of unused spaces but also provides an accessible platform for local artists and charities to showcase their work and engage with the community,” she added.
“It is wonderful to see these creative organisations joining forces to offer such a diverse programme of cultural activities in Huddersfield town centre,” said Councillor Carole Pattison, Leader of Kirklees Council and Cabinet Member for Culture, “We are proud that we are able to continue to support them in delivering their events while eagerly awaiting the completion of Our Cultural Heart.”
She added, “The Creative Piazza’s event fits perfectly with this year’s Christmas celebrations in Huddersfield, which focuses on supporting the high street, championing our local businesses and free family-friendly fun. The council is committed to increasing artistic and creative opportunities in our town centres, giving people more reasons to visit and spend time in Huddersfield. This is the driver behind Our Cultural Heart. This initiative complements our future plans and will hopefully give visitors a taster of what’s to come.”
Upcoming winter events at Creative Piazza include art workshops led by local artists from the West Yorkshire Print Workshop, crafting sessions from Thread Republic, wellness activities from The Creative Wellness Centre, exhibitions from Collaborati, music, art and skateboard activities from MakerWorld, MakerSkate and MakerNoise and a Community Swap Shop from Shared Goods.
The group will come together on 30 November as part of the council’s Huddersfield Christmas Celebrations for a joint Winter Worlds event, offering a ‘trip around the world’ through various workshops, exhibitions, games and