Queer Crafts with Notts LGBT+ Network and Zesty's Collective

Whether you consider yourself to have no artistic talent, are a budding artist or just dabble in crafts every so often, you are very welcome to join. We will be creating on our own and with each other in a calm atmosphere. You are welcome to come for as little or as long as you like.

Any people of LGBTQIA+ or questioning identities aged 18 + are welcome to join us! Safe spaces code of conduct will be in place.

We recognise that you might need different things from this event, be it creating connections and hearing about others experiences, having a chance to reflect on your own queer experiences and needs, or simply have protected space to craft and use your hands. Whichever one it is, we hope you join us and find it.

While some bring their friends, family members or parner/s, lots of people come on their own - if you're feeling nervous, get in touch.

Please note we are welcoming individuals to come as themselves - this is not a space to come to as an organisation or party.

We'll be switching between paper crafts, painting, sculpting with clay and knitting and crocheting at each session.

• 25th November - hosted by Notts LGBT+ Networks volunteer Charlie, you can expect knitting, crochet and embroidery
  
• 16th December - hosted by Zesty's Sonia and Andy, activities are tbc but you can expect sculpting and collage
  
• 27th January 2025 - hosted by Notts LGBT+ Networks volunteer Charlie, you can expect knitting, crochet and embroidery
  
• 24th February - 16th December - hosted by Zesty's activities are tbc but you can expect sculpting and collage
  
• 24th March - hosted by Notts LGBT+ Networks volunteer Charlie, you can expect knitting, crochet and embroidery
  

You can bring your own crafts or projects to each session.

We're a charity supporting Nottinghamshires' LGBT+ community since 1975. We’ve provided support and information to thousands of people in the county. You can find out a little bit more about us via our website.

We're a group of Nottingham based queer people wanting to explore alternative events which hold queerness at the heart, away from noise, substances, need for spending or nightlife. We previously hosted workshops 'Building Queerville' at Nottingham Contemporary, Green Hustle and more - you can find our a little bit more about these via our Zesty's Collective Instagram.

• Will there be refreshments and snacks?

Cold drinks, hot drinks and snacks will be available for free. Let us know of any dietary requirements and allergies when you book your space. Donations are welcome 😊

• Do I need to bring anything?

We will have some arts & crafts materials but you are also welcome to bring your own materials as well as any art projects you are working on. Feel free to bring a friend, relative or partner/partners but please let us know as we only have limited space! Come as you are. If you find that you get a lot out of the session, consider donating to Notts LGBT Network to help us continue running these sessions.

• How do I get there?

Nottingham Contemporary is very central in the city centre. By foot, the venue is 7 mins walk from Nottingham Train Station.

By bike, there are bike stands right outside of the venue.

By car, the nearest smaller car parks are Cliff Road (£2 for 2hrs), County House (£3 for 2hrs), and for multistorey car parks there are Broadmarsh (£5.30 for 2hrs) and Lace Market (£5.50 for 2hrs).

By public transport, the closest tram stop is Lace Market, 3 mins away from the venue. The closest bus stop is Fletcher Gate H1 which is served by NCT (Nottingham City Transport) green, navy and turquoise lines. The venue is 5-10 minute walk from Victoria Centre (shopping centre) bus stops which are served by most city bus routes.

When you get there, Nottingham Contemporary itself will seem closed but it is open for our session - ask for us at the reception and you'll be pointed to the right space.

• Talk accessibility to me!

As you book your space, there will be a question of what support could help you come to the space and enjoy the session - let us know your thoughts there and we'll be in touch.

We'll have some ear foamies available if you're audio sensitive and you're welcome to wear your own headphones. We'll have fidget toys if you want to keep your hands busy with things other than craft materials.

You're welcome to self-manage and take breaks as and when you need them.

For the venue itself, there is blue badge parking alongside the pavement on the Nottingham Contemporary side of the road (alongside their big windows leading to the junction). There is a step free access to the reception area, from the reception area to the workshop space there are steps and a lift. From the hall there is a step free access to the workshop space. The accessible toilets are on the same floor, a few meters away.

• I'm feeling unsure about coming..
  You are welcome to bring someone with you who is an LGBTQIA+ ally. Alternatively, get in touch with us - we can say hello before the day so there is a familiar face in the space, or we can meet you a little bit before the event if you don't fancy walking in alone.
  

• Got other questions?

Get in touch via Eventbrite, DM us on Instagram @zestyscollective or @nottslgbt or email [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also note questions as you're booking your space which we'll get back to before the session.

You can expect Charlie from Notts LGBT+ Network, Sonia and Andy from Zesty's Collective as well as other supporters from both groups to welcome you into the space.

Host or Publisher Zesty's Collective