Free weaving project brings Bolton residents together

Gemma Hemingway, based in Bolton, is the artist behind Side by Side: Weaving Conversations, a project delivering free weaving sessions to residents across the borough and inviting them to contribute to a collaborative piece of woven art.

Ms Hemingway said: “My goal was to reach out to as many different groups of Bolton residents as possible; from young people, to the elderly, to our SEND residents to our diverse communities, everyone essentially.”

Residents take part in the Side by Side: Weaving Conversations community art project in Bolton (Image: Gemma Hemmingway)

The sessions have been delivered at a wide range of organisations and venues, including the Bolton Girls and Lads club, Sapphire Partnership, Bolton Carer Support, Serenity Seekers, as well as more general sessions at Bolton Museum and Libraries, and community fairs.

The sessions offer a chance for residents to try weaving, share ideas, and contribute to a larger piece of woven artwork that reflects collective creativity and community.

Participants contributing to a large collaborative woven artwork during a free community weaving session (Image: Gemma Hemmingway)

Ms Hemingway said participants often spoke about wanting to take part in creative activities but struggling to find opportunities.

She said: “Many participants have spoken about wanting to be more creative but struggling to access opportunities.

“Others have highlighted how relaxing and mindful the sessions have been, how exciting it’s been to learn a new skill, and how friendships have naturally formed.

“The project was designed around the 5 Ways to Wellbeing, and those outcomes have really come through.”

Beyond the practical activity of weaving, Ms Hemingway also engaged participants in discussions and surveys about what arts and crafts opportunities they would like to see in Bolton.

A participant learning weaving techniques during a free session delivered across Bolton (Image: Gemma Hemmingway)

The project was funded by Culture Bolton in partnership with Bolton Museum, Art Gallery and Libraries, aiming to better understand residents’ interests and support the town’s creative sector.

All information gathered will be shared back with the community at a later date.

The finished woven artworks will also go on display in community locations.

Ms Hemingway worked alongside Rebecca Harrington of Bolton Contemporary CIC to help deliver the sessions and reach a broad range of participants.

Creativity bringing people together in a welcoming community setting (Image: Gemma Hemmingway)

Ms Hemingway said: “I’m delivering one final free session this Saturday at Harwood Library, 10.30am to 12.30pm as the library is keen to engage more local residents through creative activity, and this session is part of a wider programme of upcoming workshops.”

Ms Hemingway brings more than 15 years of experience as a creative facilitator, community artist, and craft practitioner.

She works across embroidery, printing, and ceramics, and is committed to making the arts accessible to all.

Her clients include Bolton Museum and Libraries, Cartwheel Arts, Stockroom, Whitworth Art Gallery, The Lowry, and numerous schools.

As part of the project, Ms Hemingway is creating a booklet using Rizo printing techniques in collaboration with Bolton residents.

The booklet will showcase all her findings.

This element of the project is supported by Bolton Contemporary CIC, Culture Bolton, and Bolton CVS.

Residents can find updates and more information on Ms Hemingway’s Instagram page, @hildahemingwaycreates.