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FenCreators
FenCreators is a brand new programme of creative workshops on your doorstep in three Fenland locations; Chatteris, Whittlesey and Wisbech.
Location:
Chatteris, Whittlesey, Wisbech
Dates:
September - December 2024
Admission:
Free
Create, connect, calm: mindfulness and friendship through art
15 weeks of free, inspiring workshops in your Fenland community. From sewing to filmmaking, there’s a range of activities for all skill levels, guided by professional artists. Enjoy a welcoming, sociable atmosphere that fosters new friendships and community connections. Come as you are, work at your own rhythm, and let your creativity flourish in a safe and supportive space.
The workshops are open to individuals aged 18 and above and cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to enthusiasts. Regular participants will have the opportunity to shape the programme, exhibit their work locally, and help run creative activities at local events.
The project has blossomed from the successful pilot of quilting workshops in Chatteris which we introduced, following requests from the local community. This is a Creative Lives Know Your Neighbourhood Project funded by UK Government and Arts Council England.
Sessions run from September to December 2024.
We’d love people to attend as many sessions as possible, but workshops will also work as standalone sessions, so don’t worry if you can’t make them all or if you’re only interested in particular sessions.
People Involved
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Sean Dendere
Sean Dendere is a multidisciplinary designer and artist from Peterborough, UK and Zimbabwe. Sean Dendere's artistic and design practice is a captivating journey of multidisciplinary exploration, investigating deep into the themes of playfulness, ambiguity and anthropology. He studied at Central Saint Martins and achieved a first-class degree in Product Industrial Design in 2023. Most recently, Sean concluded an Artist in Residence programme at Metal Culture, where he used his time and funding to direct his first short film titled "No Shoes Inside", which is an exploration of his identity, ritual and home through the metaphor of doing laundry. -
Emily Steele-Dias
Emily Steele-Dias has worked as a freelance artist, curator, and producer since 2018. Emily is an internationally screened filmmaker, and her work primarily focuses on local communities, heritage and unheard stories. Emily founded the organisation Cine-Sister in 2017 which showcases and promotes films with women filmmakers. She is also the festival director of the Gateway Film Festival which launched in 2019 and aims to celebrate local history, community, often mixing film with other art forms such as dance, music and poetry engaging a range of people across Peterborough, Wisbech and Ely. -
Ann Bellamy
Ann Bellamy is a freelance visual artist based in Peterborough, working with mixed media including paintings, drawing and sculpture. Ann has over twenty years’ experience in delivering creative workshops with adults in community settings, the justice system and mental health groups. She exhibits work on a regular basis both in solo and group shows in addition to private commissions. -
Blended Monkey
Blended Monkey was founded by creative duo (also husband and wife), Simon and Louise Taggart, specialising in working with wood and clay. Louise, a ceramicist, draws inspiration from her affection for the sea and the Fenland surroundings in her creations. Simon, a woodturner, crafts his unique pieces using locally sourced wood. Their collaborative approach allows them to harmoniously blend their respective disciplines, exchanging and replicating ideas in different artistic mediums. -
Debbie Munford
Debs has spent the last 30 years creating textiles. Her journey began in the fashion industry as a woven textile designer for ladies' wear, followed by years as a college lecturer in Art and Design, Fashion, Textiles, and Costume. She now produces a range of unique, one-of-a-kind textiles both in 2D and 3D and runs creative textile workshops, sharing her knowledge with others. Debs set up The Creative Craftorium, a studio to provide workshops and tuition in most creative textile techniques including print, Cyanotype printing, embroidery, mixed media creations and 3D textiles.