This summer sees the return of GNCCFonline, an opportunity to buy unique and exceptional contemporary craft direct from 120 specially selected makers over the weekend of 17-18 July.

When the pandemic forced the cancellation of the much loved Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fairs in 2020, the show organisers embraced the digital revolution and with a defiant ‘the show must go on’ spirit, launched the GNCCFonline with the aim of supporting independent makers. 

Fans of Buxton Opera House will be able to hear more from their favourite theatre with the launch of their new podcast.

We hope you have had a great half term and are ready for the kids to go back tomorrow. We have lots going on at the moment and quite a few courses starting this month both online and in person as we slowly edge towards opening fully from September.

We hope you have been making some time for yourself to get creative as things have started opening up between catching up with friends and family. Don't forget our workshops are great as a day out with friends and we have lots coming up in September at weekends.

Volunteers Week 2021

We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all of our volunteers! The donation of their time and skills are vital in making it possible for all people we meet to experience the supportive power and connection being creative gives us.

Businesses across the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in Derby city centre are showcasing their own flock of mini ram characters as part of this summer’s Derby Ram Trail.

The Great Ram Sleepover runs from 14th - 26th June and will feature ten mini Ram characters who will stay in a business for four nights before moving to another business window for the next four nights.

Photo by Federico Estol

17th May - 5th September - In venues across Derby

Meet the artists

A sequel to 'The Trail', James Ellson has launched his latest book 'Cold Dawn' by publisher Unbound. They work by crowdfunding, and you can support at https://unbound.com/books/cold-dawn/

Remember the world wide media attention grabbing Belper Moo? https://www.facebook.com/BBCRadioDerby/videos/925062664593366/

If you're still looking for a way to keep the kids busy this half-term, make sure you check out our Artist in Residence's YouTube channel to find some fun activities for children!

Throughout lockdown, John Sutcliffe has uploaded numerous tutorials to his channel, covering various techniques and different art forms. From next week, he will be uploading a series of videos showing how to make your own light up bug. 

Be sure to have a go - as your work could later be feature in an enchanted forest!

Learn how to make your own light-up bug with the help of our Artist in Residence, John Sutcliffe

If you're looking for something to keep the kids busy this half-term, make sure you check out a new series of video tutorials by the Barn's Artist in Residence, John Sutcliffe. These videos, specially for kids, take you through the process of making your own light-up bug from a milk carton. Watch the first part of the tutorial above, with the two remaining videos accessible by heading to John's YouTube channel.