“YOU’RE aware there’s a buzz in the air.”
That’s how one regular described an artists’ hub at the heart of Mossley, which is offering complimentary studio space to creatives of all kinds.
Pat Baker uses the space at The Vale to ‘think, plan, make notes, doodle, draw’.
She said: “Being there is conducive to creative thought. You’re aware there’s a buzz in the air: creative talent and ideas going on all the time; always the possibility of bumping into someone for a chat.
“Things going on in the sewing room, office and other studios. There’s always a hum of activity.”
The arts centre in Vale Mill, off Micklehurst Road, opens its doors free of charge every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm.
The space can accommodate the needs of sewers, writers, painters, makers, musicians, film makers and other kinds of creative to rehearse, think, practice or experiment.
Amelia Bayliss, General Manager at The Vale, said: “Whether you’re a sewer needing a machine to work on, a sculptor searching for some work space, a musician in need of a quiet room or a henna artist hoping for somewhere to practice, we’d love to host you free of charge on Wednesday afternoons. Booking ahead is advised.
“Creativity thrives where there is community, and many local people have already found that spending time together each week has given them a creative boost.”
Katie McCall, a writer, used the space at The Vale to work on her novel.
“As someone who lives locally, it was so helpful to have a room to use to concentrate on my project,” she explained.
“Having a change of environment and receiving such a warm welcome made such a positive difference to my writing and inspired some new ideas for my book.
“Writing can be lonely sometimes, and it gave me a real boost to speak to the staff and volunteers working at The Vale and to chat about the activities going on there.
“Places such as this are important because they foster a sense of community, reduce social isolation and facilitate creative collaboration which would not happen elsewhere.”
To reserve a free Wednesday afternoon spot or find out more about space hire at other times, email hello@the-vale.co.uk or call 01457 238089.