Before the National Festival of Making the artists took up residence in some of the nation’s top industries that we have on our doorstep in Pennine Lancashire. They worked with and responded to the manufacturers, including experimenting with different processes, materials, methods and technologies to produce a piece of work that was unveiled at the first ever Festival of Making that took over Blackburn Town Centre for the whole weekend. From clay to injection moulded plastic to tissue paper – artists worked with the materials of Pennine Lancashire’s artisan industrialists to create contemporary works that demonstrated a proud local manufacturing heritage.
At the festival, people were able to tour the work, meet the artists and get their hands on manufacturing materials at the free Art in Manufacturing workshop.
The Festival of Making is a FREE family festival, taking place yearly, showcasing innovative art installations, hands-on workshops, live performances and markets promoting handmade products. Visitors are be able to find fine foods and craft ales and are invited to celebrate the unique diversity, innovation and skills in British making and manufacturing that is central to Blackburn and Pennine Lancashire’s cultural heritage.
