By Claire Tymon, founder of Glossop Creates   We had another full room at the Glossop Creates network meeting earlier this week. To have a turn-out of 50+ people from all different creative disciplines is incredible for our town. There's a wealth of talent and ideas which we are keen to support and nurture over the coming months as well as creating our own opportunities for our local creative community.  

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As we outlined at the meeting, we have five missions which will produce the Glossop Creates' programme of delivery, going forward this year and into 2023. These are:  

• Getting people together - we'll be organising a series of network meetings and sector support sessions and workshops, providing our community with an opportunity to discuss ideas, plan activities and share challenges which we can help solve together
• Buddying creatives up - building on the success of our mentoring programme last year, we'd like to hear from potential mentors and mentees, pairing up local creatives to support, signpost and inspire
• Pairing artists with our town - through a series of small creative residencies, we're excited to work with new partners on embedding creativity and artistic ideas with Glossopdale - more news to follow!
• Curating the town - building on the foundation of talent and assets we have in the town and borough, we're working on creating further opportunities to create cultural experiences through exhibitions, public art, symposiums and walks for us to enjoy together!
• Telling our stories - working with our local creatives, we will share your stories, new work created, events and activities happening and shining a light on the talent and amazing assets we have to share.

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The meeting also provided a platform to hear updates and news from our creative community, recapped here:  

• Partington Theatre is open! Amy invited the team and the meeting with open arms and is calling out for ideas, content, volunteers and wants us all to consider the theatre as a venue for our local activities
• Victoria Hall - Sonja shared a brief update on the recent Levelling Up bid which aims to improve the culture and wellbeing offer in the town.  Fingers crossed for a successful outcome next month!
• Glossop Bookfest is in development - reigniting this incredible event, Andy shared an update on the plans to showcase the wonderful talent of authors, poets, playwrights and illustrators. Watch this space...
• A call for more street art - Deggy shared his process of creating the Vivienne Westwood mural, a dedication to the famous fashion designer and environmentalist who was born and raised in Glossop. Congratulations Deggy and best of luck with your future endeavours! 
• Exploring the boundary - Cora Glasser of Glassball Studio shared a brief update on their GUIDEline project and is working with us on a symposium at Longdendale Environmental Centre - more news to follow soon.
• Head over the hills to New Mills Festival - taking place from 9th September, we encourage everyone to take a look at the programme and support this incredible volunteer-led festival in our neighbouring town! Good luck Lyn with your final preparations.

Thanks again to all who attended. As always, please do get in touch with the team directly at hello@glossopcreates.com if you have any ideas, thoughts or requests for support.  

If you'd like us to help promote your events, activities or projects, please submit the information via our website or email us the information, and we'll get right on it! You can also get in touch via our social media accounts.  

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‍Claire