The idea
Marks of the Castle will create an interactive art experience at Clitheroe Castle, encouraging more people to visit and actively engage with local heritage. Participants will take part in guided creative activities throughout the museum, responding to its history, collections and spaces through drawing and mark making. These observations will then be developed into a finished A4 artwork using collage and colour.
Funding will enable four free artist led workshops in 2026, aligned with Art Walk, Contemporary Clitheroe Festival and the summer holidays, reaching at least 60 participants. The project will remove financial barriers by covering artist fees, materials, museum admission for adult participants and promotion, ensuring both the workshops and the wider museum experience remain accessible to the community.
What we'll deliver
- 4 free artist led workshops at Clitheroe Castle in 2026
- 1 workshop during Contemporary Clitheroe Festival (July)
- 2 workshops during the Summer Holidays (July, August)
- 1 workshop during October Art Walk
- Guided creative activities throughout the museum
- Structured drawing and mark making session inside the Castle
- A completed A3 mixed media artwork on canvas to take home
- Free museum admission (for adult participants)
Why it's a great idea
Many adults feel disconnected from creativity, and families are often looking for meaningful, affordable activities during school holidays and cultural events. Marks of the Castle addresses this by transforming a traditional museum visit into an active, creative experience.
The project will increase visitor engagement at Clitheroe Castle, encourage deeper exploration of exhibitions, and make art accessible to beginners. By removing financial barriers, it supports wider cultural participation in Ribble Valley and provides high quality creative activity at no cost.
Participants will build confidence, reconnect with creativity and develop a stronger connection to local heritage. The project also creates a replicable model for future heritage based art programming in the area.
Steps to get it done
- Confirm dates, finalise workshop plans and prepare materials.
- Launch promotion and open bookings for all four workshops.
- Deliver four free workshops at Clitheroe Castle.
- Collect feedback and complete project reporting.
