Get Creative Festival

The Get Creative Festival shines a light on all the great cultural activity that takes place across the UK on a regular basis and encourages people to try their hand at something new and creative in homes and outdoors (when government restrictions can be met).

As part of the festival, community groups and organisations in Crawley are invited to host creative events and welcome new people to join virtual activities from 8 to 16 May 2021. It is a great way for people to find out how to get creative on their doorstep and try something different with hundreds of hands-on events on offer.

This could include everything from photography, dance, knitting, drama and music to baking, gardening and coding. Whatever your art or craft form, you are welcome to be part of the Get Creative Festival. If you are not sure what kind of event you could host, see if these ideas give you some inspiration…

As part of the Get Creative Festival, Crawley Film Initiative will be working with six young people aged 16-25 to help produce short films of local Crawley artists. If you are a budding artist, a crafter, painter, filmmaker or dancer and would like to be part of this exciting project please email the events team.

If your visual art or craft group has amassed a set of skills – be it oil painting or flower arranging – don’t keep it to yourselves! Run a special-themed workshop during the festival to share your abilities with others.

If your drama group, choir, orchestra, dance troupe or band meets for a weekly rehearsal, why not open your “virtual” doors during the festival and invite people in? An open online rehearsal is a relaxed, unpressured way for people to see what you do, and perhaps be inspired to join in.

Brighten up your community with an explosion of colour and creativity. Join forces with other makers in your area and showcase your crafty creations in a public place during the Get Creative Festival, such as your local high street, school yards, public park or community garden. So if you are a knitter, stitcher, quilter, embroiderer, weaver or whatever your craft form, why not get involved?

Over the last few years, many inspiring craft displays have taken root in a variety of woodland venues and opened to the public as part of Woollen Woods. Each one is the result of a partnership between a local craft group and woodland.

The festival is supported by a range of major cultural organisations including Arts Council England and the BBC, but the programme of activities is mostly run by community groups and arts organisations of all shapes and sizes throughout the country.  These groups and organisations are invited to put on events that are participatory and creative, and either free or cost-recovery.

Get Creative Festival is the perfect opportunity to introduce your group or organisation to a new audience as part of an event with national profile. Get yourself on the map and attract new people involved in your regular activities or programme. 

Taking part in the festival is a chance to come together once a year and celebrate all that you have achieved. And most importantly, share the fun of being part of a creative group with new people!

If you would like to hear more about getting involved or submit your projects and ideas, please email the events team.

Visit the Get Create Festival website for more information.