Blackpool’s culture club: get creative with Aunty Social, a home for makers in the North West

Aunty Social supports local artists and makers, giving them a creative space to inspire new designs, work alongside like-minded people and develop a fresh new layer of design, culture and community Blackpool.

Based in a beautiful, newly renovated building in Topping Street, funded through Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone, they can now do more than ever before. That means supporting more local makers and artists and spreading the word across all of Blackpool, and #shoplocal has never been more apt as these ‘made in Blackpool, for Blackpool’ creations wow those looking for something a little bit special.

Aunty Social Director, Catherine Mugonyi said: “We’re all about giving people opportunities to develop their creativity, learn new skills and connect with others through positive arts and craft activities.

“We co-ordinate a diverse programme of arts and cultural activities designed to bring people together in a safe, supportive and gentle space.”

In addition to the shop, you’ll also find a large, bright workshop area suitable for art and craft classes, a community darkroom for local photographers, space for hot-desking and community meetings and a reading area filled with art and social justice books.

Who is it for?

There are 25 makers and artists based in and around Blackpool and the Fylde Coast area, and Aunty Social aims to connect them with each other, their potential audience, and a vital high street shop window, so that those who love unique and interesting pieces can discover something beyond mass-market items.

As well as being a vibrant space, if you follow them on Twitter @_AuntySocial_ and Facebook – search Aunty Social – you’ll be given first sight of some of the stunning creations, as well as finding out what’s on when and what activities you can join into.

Aunty Social puts art on the map and into everyday conversation, connecting people like never before.

Where did it all begin?

Back in 2011 a group of friends wanted to get together in a fun, affordable and social way without going to the pub. After raising money for their first workshop, they went from strength to strength, with regular events such as knitting and craft groups, a pop up cinema, creative workshops and more.

Its success is all the more remarkable as it is entirely volunteer run and led, but works to an exceptionally professional standard.

Who are the current shop suppliers?

Already taking part are Last Stop Designs, Ruff & Woof, Wading Bird Designs

Red Fox Pottery, Rustic Robot Creations, DamoFramo, Robin Ross, Danielle Merricks - Painting Isn't Dead, Jayne Stevenson Artist, The Paper Garden

Bethany Leah Jones, Coxyart, Made by Maggie, Out Of The Box Books, Joseph Travis Art, basicbxtch, Carrington, Glenarrow Home, The Gingham Flamingo, Studio Cairnley, Carla Gebhard Designs, Canvas Creations, P(imp) My Wood, Lavinia Haslam - Nipples & Ripples and Artistic Fleur

Could I become a supplier?

Yes! New makers and suppliers are every bit as welcome as new shoppers. Just pop in to see them in Topping Street or visit the website to register. Not ready to commit? Why not sign up for a workshop to see if it’s for you … who knows, you may end up volunteering or even leading a class!

Blackpool Town Centre Business Improvement District - A better town centre for everyone, working to improve the visitor experience and to promote Blackpool Town Centre as a safe, clean place to do business, work, visit, shop and dine.