The idea
We believe that anyone can be an artist if they have access to a supportive, creative community and environment. To that end we provide; a gallery space, so artists can exhibit their work to the community and the public; open practice space, so artists can work together on their projects with others in the community; lounge space, with comfy seats, tables, hot drinks, and a library of books on arts, crafts, and local zines.
Each month we come together as a community to programme the space for the coming weeks. At least 50% of exhibitions are for people not already part of our collective, and we work actively with emerging artists assist them to curate and exhibit their work.
Since June 2025, we have hosted:
-3 open calls
-10 exhibitions,
-17 workshops,
-5 performances including poetry and music
-5 events
We have welcomed over 300 people and our outreach invited 3 existing local groups, supporting them to deliver 5 independant events in the community spaces we have developed.
What we'll deliver
- Make a public program for summer 2026 to keep the space open to the community.
- Put a call out for local artists to exhibit in the gallery space.
- Support 3 artists to exhibit in the gallery who aren’t already part of the collective.
- Host 3 free artist led workshops that engage the community with local heritage, geography and social context.
- Host a monthly Jacob's Join (pot luck dinner): Artist social and inviting new people into the community
Why it's a great idea
-An inviting entry point for those struggling to find a way into the creative arts scene in Preston
-A free place to practice art for those who cannot afford/find access to a studio in the local area
-Maintaining a pressure-free environment for the community to become acquainted and grow together
-Encourage collaboration between creative practitioners and provide a space to network and share skills and knowledge
-Incubate and develop ideas: support emerging artists to find their creative calling
-More synergy between different creative practices (music, fine art, theatre, comedy and spoken word)
-Store and provide free communal equipment to develop a range of skillsets within the creative community
-Act as a stepping stone for graduates looking to practice their new skillsets
-Help to retain creative talent, and enhance the overall cultural richness in Central Lancashire and nurture the artistic output from the area
-Use crowd fund platform to expand the network and reach new people
Steps to get it done
- Put an Artist call out to exhibit in the gallery space
- Ask OS members to pitch their workshop idea
- Choose 3 Exhibiting Artists via a panel of October Salon Members
- Choose Workshop delivery via a panel of OS members
- Compile posters, photographs and promotional materials for June events
- Launch June Exhibition
- Deliver June Workshop
- Compile posters, photographs and promotional materials for July events
- Host Jacobs Join June
- Launch July Exhibition
- Deliver July Workshop
- Compile posters, photographs and promotional materials for August events
- Host Jacobs Join July
- Launch August Exhibition
- Deliver August Workshop
- Host August Jacobs Join
