The next few articles focus on the power of space. In some cases, the Circular Arts Network makes use of them, on others, they offer useful learning for artists to be able to seek their own space, or decipher the potential usefulness of it.
First, Halton, a borough looking to put culture front and centre of its identity, and doing that through a mix of major projects and long-term investments.
In 2021 Hazlehurst Studios received an investment from the Borough of Culture programme that ensured they could properly develop into public programme producers, and provide better studio provisions for their artists. In 2026, borough of culture has come back around and the studio group are leading part of Cultivate Halton, a year-long programme of arts and culture in spaces across Runcorn and Widnes.
The studio are also leading Halton Nature Watch, a year of citizen science and art, engaging the entire borough in nature and conservation.
And later in the year, a dedicated materials library for Halton is planned to focus support on artists and makers who need it, with direct links to artists who know who to make things happen.
And in the wider borough, Widnes Market is hosting a series of open exhibitions all year with a gorgeous workshop space fitted out with new work by Colette Whittington. The projects starting here could be leading productions for others in another six years, and that’s massively exciting.
So how does that work across the rest of Merseyside?
[Note: This article was original published in print, this line follows to articles in the ‘Read More’ box below]
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Words, Patrick Kirk-Smith
