New Arts, Culture & Creativity Network launched in St Helens Borough
St Helens Borough Council's Arts Service has launched a brand-new Arts, Culture & Creativity Network, bringing together artists, makers, performers, and anyone with an interest in the borough's thriving creative scene.
Article date: 26 September 2025
The launch event, held as part of the council's Arts in Libraries programme, welcomed more than 40 members of the local cultural community for an evening of networking, inspiration, and collaboration at the World of Glass.
Attendees were introduced to Elke Lehmann, the Stuttgart-based artist who will be spending a month in residence at Platform Studios. The event also featured a presentation from St Helens artist Helon Conning, who shared her recent experiences of undertaking a residency in Stuttgart this summer, made possible through the borough's long-standing cultural exchange links with the German city.
Atmosphere at the event was informal and inclusive, offering space for people to share their own projects, explore opportunities for collaboration, and discover more about upcoming events in St Helens. With tea and conversation flowing, the launch set the tone for a new chapter of connection and creativity in the borough.
The creation of the network follows a recent survey of the local creative sector, which highlighted the need for regular opportunities to connect and collaborate. In response, St Helens Borough Council has committed to hosting quarterly meetings to continue strengthening the local cultural community.
Councillor Sue Murphy MBE, Cabinet Member for Localities, Culture and Heritage, said:
"The launch of the Arts, Culture & Creativity Network is about building stronger connections between artists, organisations, and residents across St Helens Borough. By providing a regular space to share ideas and opportunities, we're helping our vibrant cultural sector to flourish, to the benefit of our whole community."
The next meeting of the St Helens Arts, Culture & Creativity Network will take place in January 2026. For more information about the network and upcoming opportunities sign up to the networking contact list on https://forms.office.com/e/97WT5ViRyV[AP1] .
Photography from two further Stuttgart artists and St Helens photographers will be featured in a free exhibition opening on Saturday 4 October at The World of Glass. Attendance is free but please register to attend online at:
https://artsinlibraries.sthelens.gov.uk/article/14000/Back-Streets-Bright-Walls
All Stuttgart twinning projects have been funded by Stuttgart Council's Cultural Department and Arts Council England. The exhibition is delivered by The World of Glass and St Helens Borough Council through the Arts in Libraries programme, supporting artists to showcase and develop their work.