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Arts in Libraries

Cultural Hubs

St Helens Library Service is now an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation - one of only six library services in the country!

Cultural Hubs is an exciting arts in libraries project that allows us to bring a fantastic range of arts events into all St Helens libraries. We welcome everyone to join us and take part in our varied programme. We have theatre shows and performances, art installations and community events. Come on your own, with family or friends and we look forward to welcoming you. 

Access
A number of our events are relaxed, making them suitable for people with sensory or learning conditions. We offer a selection of events with audio description or British Sign Language interpretation. If you have any questions about these services, please email artsservice@sthelens.gov.uk or call 01744 677087.

Getting to the libraries
St Helens' libraries can be reached by public transport. Please call Merseytravel on 0151 330 1000 (08:00-20:00, seven days a week) or visit their website www.merseytravel.gov.uk, where you can download a St Helens public transport map and guide.

To keep up to date with the latest season and to book tickets for events, please visit www.culturalhubs.eventbrite.co.uk.

To keep up to date with upcoming events:

Cultural Hubs is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

A photograph of the theatre performance, I Believe in Unicorns by Wizard Presents theatre company performed at Newton le Willows Library. The woman actor in the photograph is balancing on a large pile on books as if climbing onto a horse. Other stacks of books surround her. The photograph was taken by Karen Thornburn. 

Creative Alternatives - Arts Programme for Adults       

Interested in exploring creativity for your wellbeing? Want some time that’s just about you? Then Creative Alternatives may just be what you’re looking for.

Creative Alternatives is an award-winning arts and wellbeing programme for people living in St Helens experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. Creative Alternatives offers a regular programme of visual arts and creative writing activities that can help to rebuild your confidence and improve your mental wellbeing. While creativity is at the heart of what we do, the emphasis is on enjoying yourself, meeting new people and having a safe space where you won’t be judged.

Once referred on to the Creative Alternatives programme, you can take part in a weekly group for up to 12 weeks. Workshops are led by trained artists who will support and guide you through a creative process using a variety of artistic techniques, creating a relaxing atmosphere with friendly faces and a time that’s just about you.

You can take part in Creative Alternatives if you are:

  • Aged 18+
  • Living or accessing healthcare in St Helens
  • Experiencing mild to moderate stress, depression and/or anxiety
  • Keen to improve your wellbeing and feel able can make a regular commitment to a weekly group
  • Prepared to attend the workshops independently and work within a group setting.

Activities include a combination of creative writing, drawing, painting, 3D modelling and textiles.

For more information, please call Helen Holden, project co-ordinator, on 07745 590698, or email helen@creativealternatives.org.uk.

Arts Award

As part of our Cultural Hubs programme, St Helens Libraries support young people in undertaking the nationally recognised arts award. Arts Award is a range of unique qualifications that support young people under 25 to grow as artists and arts leaders, inspiring them to take part in the wider arts world by taking challenges in any arts or media activity. Trained Arts Award advisers based across St Helens' network of libraries guide and support young people in gaining arts experiences towards their nationally recognised awards.

If you are interested in taking part in the award, please contact JaneERimmer@sthelens.gov.uk for more information and to sign up!