Open Community Innovations Limited

Trading as, “Cross-Hatch Community Gallery and Maker-space.”

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Our UK Cooperative evolved as a result of a number of events held over two summers stemming from the Winsford Salt Fair. These were events that brought together Crafters, Artists and Local History Enthusiasts and offered a temporary platform to bring it all together.

Realising this was an opportunity to help improve Winsford’s cultural opportunities and enhance a shopping centre in decline. The local council and the shopping centre team encouraged us to become a more permanent feature.

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Upon gaining our UK Cooperative Benefit the Community status, the small team of volunteers set about turning a large vacant shop into an Art Gallery where local artists could exhibit work for a month and we would facilitate sales. We had studio spaces to offer to local creative’s, classes were lead by volunteers, a designated space for local History and a Makers space developed for the more technological minded. We also offered a short course for business start-ups.

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We supported the shopping centre by painting a series of murals celebrating the Olympics, the European cup and the British Legion- commemorating WW1. We also produced an historical piece remembering the demolished High Street where such a variety of small independent businesses had once flourished. We have also put together historical displays in the Guildhall and town centre empty units. These featured the story of the Weaver and Salt Industry; The Cotton Mill and Fire and that was in John Street; the development and spread of Methodism; School work at Winsford Railway Station; Butterfly walk in Weaver Parkway. We have also enjoyed being part of workshops supporting families and children in school holidays at both town libraries and at New Images. A major event for the town was the International Methodist Art Collection which we helped install and curate.

OCI has operated out of three premises each space being very different has caused us to evolve due to the changes and limitations of the physical spaces.

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We are still maintaining an opportunity for people to explore new creative experiences with a range of activities including; felting, drawing, painting, glass making, ceramics, printmaking, journaling, weaving and yarn bombing. Local History is also delivered fortnightly.

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We have a board of directors selected by our shareholders:

Chair Person: Ian Rogers

Company Secretary: Derek Johnson

Finance Officer: Anne Johnson

Vice Chair : Helen Cushion

 

Co-opted Members:

Admin Support: Katie Harrison

Studio Representative: Helen Cushion

 

Teachers:

Ian Rogers: Glass, Macrame and Local History

Anne Johnson: Art

Katie Harrison: Pottery

Emma Thackham: Art Therapist & Studio Artist

Sharon O’Brien: Knit/Crochet

Lesley Birbeck : Journaling 

Rachel Davies 

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