What began as a small grassroots organisation in South Normanton has grown into a National Portfolio Organisation supported by Arts Council England, delivering creative projects that tackle inequality, spark imagination and bring people together.

More recently, Junction Arts has gained national recognition for its family festivals and STEAM work, including contributions to projects for Bradford City of Culture and the Science and Media Museum.

This December, Junction Arts will mark five decades at the heart of the UK’s community arts movement. 50 Stories for 50 Years, made possible by National Lottery players, will capture and share the stories of participants, artists, volunteers, partners and staff whose lives have been shaped by the organisation’s work. These stories will form a new digital archive, alongside a documentary film and a touring exhibition created by artists responding to the collected material.

The exhibition will feature at Junction Arts’ flagship festivals, including the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, Tapton Lock Festival and Bright Winter Nights.

Managing Director Emily Bowman said the project will safeguard a unique strand of cultural heritage in post-industrial and rural Derbyshire, celebrating creativity, resilience and connection while evidencing the long-term impact of participatory arts.

Junction Arts invites local people to share their stories as part of the celebration, with events happening across the county in February and March.

For more information on 50 Stories for 50 Years, visit: Junctionarts.org

Creative Revolution pop-ups across Chesterfield

Chesterfield is entering a new chapter as Creative Revolution (formerly Chesterfield Cultural Education Partnership) expands its programme to bring creativity into everyday life across the town.

Since 2015, the partnership has worked with cultural, educational and community organisations to ensure everyone in Chesterfield can live a creative, healthy and culturally rich life. With new Arts Council England funding and a name shaped by local young people, Creative Revolution is growing its impact.

The programme includes a youth voice group, artist-led school workshops, a network for creative adults and artists, and a series of Pop-Up Events showcasing creativity across Chesterfield.

Young people have helped shape the project through YouSpeak! Creatives, including choosing the name Creative Revolution (CCEP). Ten local schools are involved in the Schools Creativity Programme, while 11 local artists have taken on paid roles. Creative adults are supported through a monthly Artists Jam at Open Hus, 81A Saltergate.

The Pop-Up Events will transform familiar spaces into vibrant showcases of work by young people, schools, community groups and artists. Alongside exhibitions, the events will offer hands-on creative activities and interactive experiences for families and residents.

Delivered in partnership with Chesterfield College, Kakou CIC, Barrow Hill Community Trust and Community Growth CIC, and supported by Derbyshire Voluntary Action, the pop-up events will also act as listening spaces, giving residents the opportunity to help shape the future of Creative Revolution.

For more information on Creative Revolution, visit www.ccep.org.uk

 New heritage arts trail will help guide visitors and residents around our town centre.

“A Sense of Chesterfield” is part of Animate Chesterfield, a public art programme that will create new artworks and activities for visitors over the next two years as part of the regeneration projects in Chesterfield and Staveley. The new tactile heritage trail will feature heritage information boards, digital content, and public artworks, bringing the town’s history to life in innovative ways.

There are several organisations which will work together to develop this project, including community groups like the Chesterfield Civic Society, Chesterfield and District Local History Society, Chesterfield Canal Trust and Derbyshire Victoria County History.

Members of the community will also be able to help shape the trail through a series of workshops and visits to schools and community organisations.

The next steps for the project are to appoint experienced freelancers to support the project and an artist to create pieces that will be on display throughout the trail. Almost £80,000 of funding has been awarded to this project by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players.

The programme is being delivered by Beam, a leading cultural development organisation, in partnership with Chesterfield Borough Council. It will also include an artist in residence to engage residents and visitors, town centre trails to explore, outdoor exhibitions, a Christmas window trail, and wall art.

Communities will be at the heart of the programme, helping to shape, influence, and participate in the artworks and activities, ensuring they authentically reflect the town.

To find out more information on ‘A Sense of Chesterfield’ and Animate Chesterfield visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/animate

To find out more and keep up to date with what’s happening in our local communities visit: www.chesterfield.co.uk/news