Future Soles
Between October 2022 and February 2023, a group of young people worked with artist Sophie Gibson at The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery in Rawtenstall to uncover the area’s rich history of shoe making. Through hands‑on sessions, they explored how footwear was produced in Rossendale’s past, how shoes are made today, and the environmental impact of modern ‘fast fashion’.
Together, the group designed and created a new interactive trail for museum visitors - a creative journey that shares what they discovered and invites people to think differently about the objects we wear every day.
In the short film produced at the end of the project, the young people reflect on their experience: what they learned, the skills they developed, and what they hope visitors will take away as they follow the trail through The Whitaker.
Outspoken: Young Voices Taking Centre Stage at Lowther Pavilion
In August 2022, Blaze partnered with young Northern poet and Blaze Young Facilitator Helena Ascough to launch Outspoken - a four‑day spoken‑word project at the Lowther Pavilion. Working with six young creatives, the project explored the power of poetry, performance and personal voice, giving participants the confidence to express themselves and shape their own event.
The first day focused on connection and discovery. Most participants had never tried spoken word before, so the group spent time getting to know one another, building confidence through games, and exploring what spoken word can be. They watched performances by Harry Baker and Hollie McNish, using their work as inspiration before beginning to write their own pieces.
On day two, the group split into two teams and chose themes ranging from women’s empowerment to the realities of relationships. Guided by Helena, they developed their writing and performance ideas, experimenting with tone, rhythm and delivery. Some participants felt so inspired that they continued writing at home, discovering a new interest in poetry beyond the workshops.
“It has made me feel happy, excited -a lot of emotions.” – Outspoken Participant
The third day deepened their performance skills through one‑to‑one mentoring with Helena. Alongside developing their spoken‑word pieces, the group gained hands‑on experience in event planning. With support from Blaze’s Director, they shaped the layout, script and flow of their final showcase — taking ownership of the event and making it truly theirs. By chance, they also met Antony, a former Blaze young producer now working in marketing at the Lowther Pavilion, who shared how his time with Blaze helped shape his creative career.
On the final day, the group met Dan, a Lowther Pavilion technician, who introduced them to backstage careers in lighting and stage management. After final rehearsals, the young creatives performed their group pieces - and several individual works inspired by the project - to an audience of family and friends, closing with a Q&A with Helena.
By the end of Outspoken, most participants said they felt more confident, more expressive and more excited about exploring poetry and performance.
“What a brilliant project! We appreciate the opportunity. Friendly and confidence‑building - thank you.” - Audience Member
The young creatives’ final pieces ranged from feminist reflections in Power Blocking to metaphors of relationships in Worn Out, and many more powerful works.