Our host Community Producer and Rotherham lass Noor Salih sits down with the Cultural Producer and Activist, Lora Krasteva for a conversation around identity, immigration and her latest touring piece ‘Becoming British’.

How much do we change when we move to a new country? What do we embrace, resist, leave behind? Can we really, one day, become "truly" British? And what does that even mean?

The Rotherham Creative Network podcast series State of the Arts brings you 30-minute conversations between creatives. Get to know local creatives, their practice and all corners of their worlds. From hobbies to full time careers, we explore and have frank conversations about what it means to be creative in Rotherham. Wherever you are, you can be part of your network with our podcast.

Our host Community Producer and Rotherham lass Noor Salih sits down with the Cultural Producer and Activist, Lora Krasteva for a conversation around identity, immigration and her latest touring piece ‘Becoming British’.

How much do we change when we move to a new country? What do we embrace, resist, leave behind? Can we really, one day, become "truly" British? And what does that even mean?

The Rotherham Creative Network podcast series State of the Arts brings you 30-minute conversations between creatives. Get to know local creatives, their practice and all corners of their worlds. From hobbies to full time careers, we explore and have frank conversations about what it means to be creative in Rotherham. Wherever you are, you can be part of your network with our podcast.

New podcast episode from Rotherham Creative Network

Our host Community Producer and Rotherham lass Noor Salih talks with the Director of Amazelab Leonie Briggs. Exploring women in business, STEM skill sharing with creativity at the heart for young people, what success looks like and how it is measured as a woman.

This month we sat down with Poets Vic Leeson and Ameerah Ali. Both poets are Rotherham based and have a love for communities’ connections to words and their stories, working on FLUX’s Rotherham’s programme ‘Spread The Word’. They talk about the struggles of identifying as a poet, the pressures of publication, and when renewing car insurance solidified them becoming creatives.

Explore discovering pride in place and the journey of two local creatives.

NEW PODCAST EPISODE from Rotherham Creative Network

This month we sat down with Amy Lilley, Creative Programming and Events Manager at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, and Uzma Rani, a Rotherham based creative! They deep dive into Rotherham’s big appetite for visual art and the creative communities in our town. They’ll discuss ways of going into events, self-development and reflection.

Uzma is a Rotherham based multi disciplinary artist who began her practice in abstract impressionist painting to explore her British-Pakistani heritage, her spirituality, and love for nature. Her work has been exhibited online and in-person exhibitions.

Amy Lilley joined Rotherham Council in Summer 2023 as the Creative Programming and Manager of the Events Team. The team are responsible for delivering large and small-scale events across Rotherham Town Centre with a range of local partners, including the council’s flagship cultural events Rotherham Show, the Christmas Light Switch On, UPLIFT and WOW Rotherham.

This month we sat down with Noor Salih and Mike O'Brien from ‘Sixty Odd Poems’ sit down to explore poetry culture in Rotherham. Rich spoken word pieces, deep diving into poetry practices, and how place shapes creativity. Touching base on FLUX Rotherham’s ‘Spread the Word’ programme, with poems from Mike O'Brien, Michael Pettinger, Glenn Barker and Paul Dyson.

This month we sat down with Jenna Hearne and Rebecca Moughton, part of the Collections & Exhibitions Team for Rotherham Museums, Arts & Heritage, to go behind the screens of creating exhibits.

Clifton Park Museum is a proud National Portfolio Organisation that works with communities to create programming such as the ‘Days of Laughter, Days of Pain: The Miner’s Strike in Rotherham, 1984-85’. Plug in, grab a brew and listen about Rotherham’s famous sausages, police riot gear, the gamble of painting an entire space red, and moving from a café to collections.

Jenna Hearne and Rebecca Moughton work mainly with the object collections belonging to Clifton Park Museum, a local authority museum in the centre of Rotherham. Rotherham Museums, Arts & Heritage is a National Portfolio Organisation and uses the Arts Council funding to provide creative opportunities for the people of Rotherham and artists. Through a programme of engagement, temporary exhibitions and co-production, the service creatively explores the heritage of Rotherham and the people who call it home.

This month we have the wonderful Penny Lee as our host. We get comfy at Riverside Records in the heart of the town centre for our town’s 3rd WOW (Women of the World) Rotherham Festival. WOW Rotherham’s annual celebration of women, trans and non-binary people is a hub of creativity and joy where 1000’s of people come together and have honest discussions.

We met loads of people at the festival who have stories to share, things they want to get off their chest or something they want to celebrate. Join us as we chat with some of the creatives involved with WOW Rotherham including MIMBRE, Big Ideas Speaker Hazel Oakes, DJ Kativa, Angry Girls by Chol Theatre, Jude Kelly Founder and CEO of WOW Foundation, and Rotherham’s very own Tracey McDermott from Standard Chartered.

This month we sat down with two Rotherham sweethearts. Exploring what state their arts are in, the relationships we have with music, stories of Rotherham and getting on the 69 bus to Sheffield to find their creative communities, and how Rotherham looks to them now as creatives.

Your host, Auriel Majumdar, is a Creative Coach, Consultant and Educator and the Independent Chair of FLUX Rotherham’s consortium. She grew up in Rotherham in the 1960s and 70s and now lives and works in Sheffield. She spent two years of a PhD pursuing the slippery idea that coaching and supervision are art forms and she continues to explore that question in everything she does. Auriel believes that creativity is the energy that powers our lives, and she loves working in creative ways with creative people.

Your guest, Rian Treanor, re-imagines club culture, experimental art and computer music, presenting an insightful and compelling musical world of fractured and interlocking components. Having left a vivid impression with a string of releases on The Death of Rave and Warp sub-label Arcola, his debut album ATAXIA for Planet Mu in 2019 established him as both a disruptive and essential new voice in British underground club music.

His latest album File Under UK Metaplasm takes inspiration from his residency at the Nyege Nyege collective's Boutique Studio in Kampala in 2018. Incorporating the high-def bass weight of his home town Sheffield with the enigmatic energy of Tanzanian Singeli and Footwork.

Using the programming language Max/MSP he develops bespoke software to explore extended rhythmic techniques and algorithmic processes, building devices that enable spontaneous pattern modulation within various collaborations, workshops, live performances and installations.

This month we go back in time with two musicians who were networking long before Rotherham Creative Network was founded. A time where bands would pay to play in venues, befriending college students with cameras and running for the last train home after a sweaty gig.

Paul Littlewood is a musician and singer-songwriter living in Sheffield. His works have been published by Third Side Music (Canada) and released by Xtra Mile Recordings (UK) and Three Sixty Records (US). He now writes, performs, and records works with major label artist Skinny Pelembe (Partisan Records, Brownswood Recordings), whose releases have been championed by 6 Music, BBC Radio 1 and BBC 1Xtra, with his LP 'Dreaming is Dead Now' receiving national and international acclaim. Paul has also led PRS Foundation, Help Musicians UK, and Arts Council England-funded music projects, mentored music artists across Yorkshire, and provided arts funding consultancy to individuals, arts organisations, and record labels.

Daniel Whitehouse is a multi-talented session musician, artist and producer, as well as an experienced educator. He has been part of various bands, including Fights (Xtra Mile Recordings), The Rossmann Frister Project (Rhythmetic Records), and Mabel Love (B-Unique). He has collaborated with renowned producers like Ross Orton (MIA, Arctic Monkeys, The Fall), Steve Harris (U2, Santana, Kaiser Chiefs) and recorded in legendary studios such as The Chapel. Daniel is the BA Programme Manager at WaterBear College of Music in Sheffield and alongside this works as a Music Producer.

State of the Arts, Rotherham Creative Network’s new podcast, will bring you 30-minute conversations between local creatives. From hobbies to full time careers, we’ll explore and have frank conversations about what it means to be creative in Rotherham.

Our first podcast kicks off with an introduction from Victoria Hilton and Noor Salih.

Fri 7th February 2025
6-8pm

Rotherham Creative Network socials return in 2025, starting with an evening at The Three Cranes on Rotherham town centre’s High Street. Expect music, entertainment, a buffet and a free soft drink from the bar.

We are inviting creatives and community representatives from across Rotherham to come together for a chance to network, catch up and have a bite to eat. The event will take place upstairs and a ticket is required – they are free!

This social is free to anyone, please click the link below to get a ticket.

Address: The Three Cranes, 25-27 High Street, Rotherham, S60 1PT

Tue 22nd November 2024
5-7pm

Rotherham Creative Network is bringing you a social with Sara Blackburn. Sara Blackburn is the new resident artist within the Test space, and she's looking to connect with artists and communities across Rotherham as part of her time in the Museum. Sara's background is in carnival and community arts, but she now focusses heavily on installations and co-created light art. From November, Sara will be exploring different ways to make interactive, collaborative and engaging light-art with communities and artists. Her ambition is to deliver a new light event in the area; one where all of the artwork is co-created by communities.

We are inviting artists and community representatives from across Rotherham to share their ideas and thoughts around co-created light-art. The evening will run from 5-7pm with a mixture of informal discussion, exploration of artwork and ideas, and hopefully the chance to get creative! Sara is also looking for workshop participants to create light-art for the test space and there will be the opportunity to sign up. Sara hopes that at the end of the evening, we will all be excited by the future possibilities of co-created light-art in Rotherham, and that we will have the beginnings of a network of artists and communities who may help it happen.

Address: Clifton Park Museum, Clifton Lane, Rotherham, S65 2AA

Wed 30th October 2024
6-9pm

Rotherham Creative Network is bringing you a social with Rotherham creative Amanda Daley AKA ‘Minx’. Enjoy a free hot drink in the newly kitted out Three Cranes on Rotherham High Street.

Amanda Daley will deliver a textiles-based workshop. Come learn a new creative skill, mix with other creatives and learn about ways to get involved with Rotherham’s Cultural scene.

No need to book – just turn up!

Please note you get a free hot drink, and you’re welcome to get any additional drinks from the bar.

Address: The Three Cranes, 27 High Street, Rotherham, S60 1PT

Sat 28th September 2024
4pm-6pm

Rotherham Creative Network is bringing you a social with wonderful creative partners in Rotherham. This time we are at The Ministry, a wonderful local café that over sees the stunning Rotherham Minster. Expect live music in a relaxed atmosphere, snacks and free drinks. Meet creatives involved in Rotherham Open, an open space studio in the heart of the town centre.

This social is free to anyone, no need to book – just turn up. There will be a table set up with free tea and coffee, and light refreshments – please purchase anything additional from the café.

Free entry, all welcome!

Address: The Ministry Cafe (across from the Rotherham Minster)

Thu 12th September 2024
6pm–9pm

Rotherham Creative Network is bringing you a social every month in 2024. This month we are at Grimm & Co. Expect live music in a relaxed atmosphere. Explore the space in between performances, chat to other artists and enjoy a free hot drink.

There will be a table set up with free tea and coffee.

Expect live acoustic music from Ryan Eyre, Nathan Kennedy and more to be announced.

Address: Grimm & Co, Ship Hill, Rotherham, S60 2HG

Sat 13th July 2024
Drop-in anytime between 11am-1pm.

Rotherham Creative Network is bringing you a social every month in 2024. This month we head to the Chapel on the Bridge to celebrate Rotherham’s heritage.

Expect live music in a relaxed atmosphere. Explore the space in between performances, chat to other creatives and the welcoming Friends of Chapel on the Bridge group, who will be more than happy to talk about the history of the building.

The Chapel on the Bridge has been called ‘a gem in the midst of Rotherham’. Dating back to 1483. The Friends of Rotherham Chapel on the Bridge (FORCOB) was formed in October 2014 to promote the chapel by sharing its history with visitors, making it more accessible to the wider public and fundraising to preserve the building.

Refreshments will be served (cash only).

This session has been curated alongside Eleanor Beever, a local cellist who has worked with the team at Chapel on the Bridge and is passionate about people accessing music.

Address: Our Lady on the Bridge Chapel, River Don, Rotherham Bridge, Bridge, Rotherham S60 1RB

Tue 18th June 2024
6:30–9pm

Rotherham Creative Network is bringing you a social every month in 2024. This month to celebrate Pride we’ve partnered up with Rainbow Project to offer hot food, cuppas and a creative workshop around identity and celebrating each individual!

Join Karen Hall to make a statement – Inspired by Pride, we’ll use words, stitch and printed fabrics to design your own colourful textile brooch. This is a relaxed social to meet other creatives or catch up with friends.

FREE – no booking required. Drop in any time during the social!

Address: Rainbow Project, Wath Town Hall, Church St, Watch Upon Dearne, Rotherham, S63 7RE

Thu 23rd May 2024
2–5pm

Rotherham Creative Network is bringing you a social every month in 2024. This month we’ll be heading to Wentworth Woodhouse Gardens. We’ll explore the gardens, reconnecting with nature with a tour by the Gardener assistant, Helen. This is a great opportunity to meet other creatives, share insight and collaborate. If you’re a photographer, bring your camera. If you’re an artist bring a sketch book. We’ll be taking some time out and having a cuppa too.

Wentworth Woodhouse have kindly donated the tickets for entry to the Gardens and we’ve also been able to book a mini bus to take us. The ticket fee of £3 you pay for your ticket, will be given back as a hot drink on the trip. We have tickets that include the mini bus for those who do not have access to transport, and additional tickets for those who can make their own way there but still want to enjoy the walk with us.

Address: Wentworth Woodhouse, Wentworth, Rotherham, S62 7TQ

Mon 15th April 2024
4pm

This month we are holding the Rotherham Creative Network April Social inside a mobile museum!

The Art Explora Mobile Museum, in collaboration with Tate and MuMo, aims to make great art accessible to everyone. The tour will bring works from Tate’s collection directly to communities across the UK, including Rotherham.

We'll do a takeover on the 15th April at 4pm. We'll be able to announce the exact location closer to the time but we do know Rotherham Creative Network will be heading out to Maltby for the first time ever.

This event is free and you do not need to book. We hope that our fellow creatives will jump on board this fabulous opportunity!

Mon 25th March 2024
5pm–7:30pm

Rotherham Creative Network is bringing you a social every month in 2024. This month we’ll be piling into ROAR Art Space with Producer Lora Krasteva who will be running a creative network workshop! This is a great way to meet peers, share insights, stories and collab on future projects whilst addressing important issues around what it means to be a creative. We will finish the evening feeling light and understood with action of what needs to happen to support our creatives in Rotherham.

Refreshments will be provided, no need to book – just rock up! Thanks to our friends at FLUX Rotherham and ROAR for their support.

Address: ROAR, Westgate Chambers, 5 Westgate, Rotherham, S60 1AN

Tue 20th February 2024
12:30–2:30pm

Rotherham Creative Network is kick-starting the year with Rotherham Civic Theatre. It’s a new year and, for many local creatives, a new step in their creative practice! We’ll have laptops on hand to help you register as self-employed with support from the FLUX Rotherham Team, support with how to set up an invoice and some advice for when applying for creative call outs.

Applying for your UTR for the first time? Bring along your NI number. We’ll help you fill out the online form. You’ll need to also print along two of the following:

- Valid UK passport
- Valid UK Driving License
- Most recent P60

In the middle of applying for a call out? Bring what you have along with examples of your work and Rotherham Creative Network will help you with visuals and language.

Don’t know how to invoice? We’ll show you some good practices on how to invoice.

Start 2024 prepared, as our town amp up for another busy year of creative and cultural experiences. Free tea and coffee for everyone attending!

Thanks to FLUX Rotherham for their support.

Location: Rotherham Civic Theatre

Mon 29th January 2024
6–7pm

Rotherham Creative Network is kick-starting the year with an online meet up. It’s a new year and we are getting ready to launch of our new Podcast – State of the Arts.

We want to know who you’d like to see, what topics you want to hear about, and how it sounds when your priorities are set.

Grab your laptop, a cuppa and come have a chat online with us. This event is online and free, however booking a ticket is essential.

Sat 10th June 2023
4:30-5:15pm
All Saints Square, Rotherham

As part of the 2023 WOW Rotherham festival, Rotherham Creative Network will bring together a panel of speakers representing women, girls, trans and non-binary people who are working in the creative industries across Rotherham and South Yorkshire to discuss their work, their contributions to the sector and their own personal journeys.

We hope to inspire and excite while also creating a safe space for our communities to come together and have their say. Our host Vicky Hilton will facilitate conversations with some of Rotherham's creative leaders. The panel will include:

Host: Vicky Hilton – Founder and Creative Director of Artful Make It Happen

Speaker: Claire Thornley – Founder of Eleven Design

Speaker: Tanveer Mustafa – Co Founder of Nayi Zindagi and women’s coach

Speaker: Terezia Rostas – Founder of Care for Young Roma Peoples Future

Speaker: Georgia Bell – Society

Thu 29th June 2023
5:30-7:30pm

Rotherham Creative Network socials are an opportunity and an excuse to get out of the house, meet other creatives, relax and leave feeling inspired and informed. Free tea and coffee. See you there!

Thu 29th June 2023
5:30-7:30pm

Rotherham Creative Network socials are an opportunity and an excuse to get out of the house, meet other creatives, relax and leave feeling inspired and informed. Free tea and coffee. See you there!

Weds 26th April 2023
5:30-7:30pm
Clifton Park Museum, Rotherham

A panel event on networking in South Yorkshire followed by a Q&A session. Guests to be confirmed. Plus the second of our regular socials!

Hosted by Clifton Park Museum. Check back for more details nearer the date.

Clifton Park Museum map reference

Thu 25th May 2023
5:30-7:30pm

Rotherham Creative Network socials are an opportunity and an excuse to get out of the house, meet other creatives, relax and leave feeling inspired and informed. Free tea and coffee. See you there!

Thurs 30th March 2023
5:30-7:30pm

Come along and join us at our first ‘in person’ meet up of the year. In fact its our first social since the pandemic stopped us in our tracks back in 2021.

Rotherham Creative Network socials are an opportunity and an excuse to get out of the house, meet other creatives, relax and leave feeling inspired and informed. 

Hosted by our lovely friends at The Bridge Inn/The Hive. This is a free event and no need to book, just turn up and be social. Free tea and coffee.

We look forward to seeing you!

The Bridge Inn map reference

Mon 13th March 2023
7-8pm

Join us online with guest speakers from Opus and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) plus a Q&A session.

January 2023

Our first meeting since lockdown! A virtual meeting featuring guests FLUX Rotherham. FLUX outlined their programme including current and future opportunities for creatives, and ways in which they can support you and your creativity. Click the video to watch it.

FLUX Rotherham website