about
ArtsGuild's aim is to help stimulate and weave collaborative paths toward creative ideas and product and which, ideally, challenges or disrupts conventional or linear thinking and outcomes.
The unique, intimate environment at The Loom provides the opportunity for creative ideation and expression within a series of private and relaxing spaces, from painting, writing and making through to digital and moving image design.
There are also rooms and facilities available to hold meetings and workshops, or just to relax in. Spaces can also be arranged for use in a gallery format for the exhibition and display of works, and also for the holding of small events and gatherings.
“Artists can have greater access to reality; they can see patterns and details and connections that other people, distracted by the blur of life, might miss."
Both the Makers' Space in the lower floor of the Barn, and the new Cottage Studio have been designed to enable use as a gallery for display of works.
Banks of spotlights have been installed in all of the lower barn spaces to aid exhibiting of works. The Cottage Studio has considerable natural light from a south-facing aspect, together with bright LED internal lighting, in order to accommodate a gallery function.
In fair weather, especially in summer months the central outdoor space in the courtyard is ideal for the holding of small music events as well as for theatre, performance art and dance.
ArtsGuild, as part of The Loom, has a developing relationship with the John Peel Centre for Creative Arts based in nearby Stowmarket, established and run by John Peel's wife Sheila Ravenscroft and others, including volunteers.
The Makers' Space has space available for hire within the lower floor of the barn, in order to accommodate those who wish to set up their own creative facilities in fields such as ceramics, printmaking, photography, metalworking, etc.
The lower floor space is separated into three areas, interconnected by sliding doors. The central space of approx 25sqm is flanked on each side by two smaller spaces of approx 14 sqm and 18 sqm.
Plans include a small forge facility at one end of the lower barn, allowing for modest projects in metal and creative black-smithing. An internal connecting stairway is planned to permit access to and from the upper floor, housing the digital Barn Studio, in addition to the existing external staircase.
The Loom, founded by designer David Gordon in 2020, was borne out of a wish to bring together passion and skills across a range of creative disciplines in order to explore collaborative creative chemistry.
David has worked in both science and the creative industries for a number of years, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is keen to integrate his creative and business skills and experience with activities at The Loom.
ArtsGuild activities are intended to work alongside David's design-focussed interests, DesignLab and GreyMattr, established to engage with commercial creative projects and the philosophical, social and ethical issues related to creative design respectively.
