We are delighted to announce that our Art of Libraries toolkit is now available to download.
The toolkit is packed with creative and practical ideas to support artists and library staff to work together to make an irresistible creative programme for children and young people.
Read MoreMany library staff have been involved in the Art of Libraries programme – both in local libraries and in supporting teams. In this blog we hear from Jill Barker - who was involved with Create Gloucestershire as the development manager on the original Art of Libraries programme and reflects on the pilot. We’ll also hear from Curtis Fulcher who has recently joined the team as the development manager after Jill's retirement, as he brings us up to speed with new developments across the library service and a look to the future of creativity in libraries.
Read MoreBrave Bold Drama, an award-winning theatre & community arts company created by Paul Lawless & Gill Simmons was one of the commissions. They brought their project ‘The Company of International Artists’ to children in Gloucestershire. We talked to them about the project, working with Gloucestershire Libraries and what they learnt changing their work from a live experience to a blended model of delivery - incorporating creative packs (delivered by post!), video downloads as well live online content.
Read MoreIn 2021 Gloucester Libraries commissioned two artists to test new and innovative ways for libraries to engage virtually with families whilst they were closed. Rizpah Amadasun was one of the artists selected. She created interactive story workshops online where families were guided through building their own fairy-tale. We talked to her about her experience of working with Gloucestershire Libraries in a new digital format…
Read MoreStand-up poet, give-up musician and lo-fi theatre maker Jonny Fluffypunk has been dragging his art around the country and occasionally beyond for over 20 years. Fiercely DIY, resolutely home-made and by turns funny, wistful and oddly moving, Jonny's work is both a celebration of the beauty in the mundane and an elaborate cry for help.
Read MoreAs a legacy to the Art of Libraries test pilot we ran in partnership with 6 Gloucestershire based libraries between 2017-2020, Glos libraries will soon be launching the Art of Libraries toolkit.
The toolkit shares a plethora of both creative and practical ideas to support artists and library staff to work together to co-create an irresistible creative programme for children and young people. The aim is to inspire and encourage them to be creative and try something new - from music to drama, storytelling, circus or animation to name a few of the sessions on offer.
Read MoreAnne Careless from Tewkesbury Library recalls her Arts Award journey, and how the team delivered the Make-aways alongside Discover at Home.
Read MoreLooking for something creative and free to do this summer? There are over 60 workshops especially for with children, young people and families happening in Gloucester, Matson, Coleford, Tewkesbury, Moreton in Marsh and Dursley Library as part of Art of Libraries.
Read MoreThe Art of Libraries test programme is coming to the end of year one. After a hectic summer programme of events aimed at children and young people, we took to the road with the Detective Story Bus with artists, Jacqui Grange and Fabi Williams, taking creative activities literally to the doorsteps of families in more isolated parts of Gloucestershire.
Read MoreArt of Libraries goes out on the road this summer. With the generous support of the Summerfield Trust we will be bringing this year’s Summer Reading Challenge literally to the doors of families in the more isolated areas of Tewkesbury and Coleford. Look out for the Share a Book library mobile like you have never seen it before and dare to step inside!
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