EXHIBITION: Moon Tell Me Truth
Creative Stirling are proud to be hosting Moon Tell Me Truth: an exhibition curated by The Hands Up Project. Children in occupied Gaza were invited to write poems inspired by two paintings. Their poems were submitted to a competition run by The Hands Up Project - an organisation that supports creative expression among children in Palestine. The selected poems were brought together in a book, “Moon Tell Me Truth”, alongside the original paintings and illustrations by the young poets themselves.
Now, their poems, paintings, and drawings have become an exhibition, travelling across the UK and beyond. At rallies and public events, the poems are read aloud. In galleries and community spaces, they are displayed as powerful testaments to creative spirit, grief, and resistance.
The exhibition runs from June 19th to July 17th and is available to view 10am-5pm 7 days a week in the Creative Stirling Venue (upstairs in Made in Stirling store).
Fantastic Mr Fox - Family-Friendly Film Screening
Fantastic Mr Fox | 2007 | dir. Wes Anderson | TRAILER
An urbane fox cannot resist returning to his farm raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers' retaliation.
Join us at the Creative Stirling venue (upstairs in Made in Stirling) for a family-friendly screening of Fantastic Mr Fox.
Please note: doors open at 1:45pm, and there will be no adverts before the screening. The film will start shortly after 2pm.
Whale Rider - Family-Friendly Film Screening
Whale Rider | 2002 | dir. Niki Caro | TRAILER
A contemporary story of love, rejection and triumph as a young Maori girl fights to fulfill a destiny her grandfather refuses to recognize.
Join us at the Creative Stirling venue (upstairs in Made in Stirling) for a family-friendly screening of Whale Rider.
Please note: doors open at 1:45pm, and there will be no adverts before the screening. The film will start shortly after 2pm.
Forth Valley Creative Network: Creative Flow #7
Join the Forth Valley Creative Network on August 1st for our next Creative Flow gathering where we bring together creatives from across the Forth Valley region to connect and share news or opportunities. Our focus this month will be discussions around the impact of creativity. There will be free coffee, tea, and fruit available for attendees. This month we're delighted to be collaborating with our friends at Reachout With Arts in Mind.
What to expect?
Creative Flow is a casual monthly gathering of creatives who practice, work, and/or live in the Forth Valley region. A creative peer network to support, share news and opportunities with each other. When you arrive, help yourself to a cuppa and settle in, we will have a short introduction to the activities of Reachout With Arts in Mind, followed by community shoutouts where you can highlight an opportunity or creative project you are working on. The rest of the morning will be blethering.
Who will be there?
Creatives of any stage, age, creative discipline, or practice. This is a safe and welcoming event for creatives alike to connect, extend their professional networks, and find out about upcoming opportunities in the Forth Valley region. Creatives can be hard to define: all are welcome, but as a guide we're expecting artists, writers, performers, designers, musicians, digital creators, studio providers, support orgs, craft makers, producers, curators, filmmakers, animators, game designers, art directors, educators, participatory creatives, workshop providers, architects, fashion, and many more.
WALL.E - Family-Friendly Screening
WALL.E | 2008 | dir. Andrew Stanton | TRAILER
A robot who is responsible for cleaning a waste-covered Earth meets another robot and falls in love with her. Together, they set out on a journey that will alter the fate of mankind.
Join us at the Creative Stirling venue (upstairs in Made in Stirling) for a family-friendly screening of WALL.E.
Please note: doors open at 1:45pm, and there will be no adverts before the screening. The film will start shortly after 2pm.
Speakeasy Stirling #3
ABOUT THE EVENT
Join us for the next in our regular monthly cultural nights 'Speakeasy Stirling', celebrating the best of contemporary talent. Each night features a mix of performance, live music, and spoken word, programmed in collaboration with Kevin P Gilday (Stirling Makar).
Our line-up for August will be announced very soon!
Please note: this event is strictly 18+. We will have a bar on the night
EVENT TIMES
Check back a few days before the event for a complete running order.
GETTING HERE
The event will take place in the Creative Stirling Venue, which is located above Made in Stirling Store (44 King Street, FK8 1AY). We are a five minute walk from Stirling Train Station and located at the top of King Street.
Speakeasy Stirling #2
ABOUT THE EVENT
Join us for our new regular monthly cultural nights 'Speakeasy Stirling', celebrating the best of contemporary talent. Each night will feature a mix of performance, great live music, and spoken word, programmed in collaboration with Kevin P Gilday (Stirling Makar).
Our line-up for the July event includes musician Mima Merrow, poet Martin O’Connor, comedian Amelia Bayler, and poet and author Natalie Jayne Clark.
Please note: this event is strictly 18+. We will have a bar on the night.
EVENT TIMES
7pm: Doors open
7:30pm: Kevin Gilday Introduction + Poem
7:40pm: Natalie Jayne Clark
8:05pm: Amelia Bayler
8:30pm: Break
8:50pm: Kevin Gilday Poem
9pm: Martin O'Connor
9:25pm: Mima Merrow
9:55pm: Kevin Gilday Outro
10pm: DJ till Late
GETTING HERE
The event will take place in the Creative Stirling Venue, which is located above Made in Stirling Store (44 King Street, FK8 1AY). We are a five minute walk from Stirling Railway Station and located at the top of King Street.
Moon Tell Me Truth - Free Creative Writing Workshop (Ages 6-16)
We're delighted to be hosting a creative writing workshop as part of Hands Up Project's exhibition Moon Tell Me Truth, currently on display at the Creative Stirling Venue.
The poetry and writing workshop is for children aged 6-16, and will be led by Stirling Makar Kevin P Gilday and Hands Up Project volunteers. The workshop activities will be responding to the poems featured in the exhibition.
Registration is free and family groups are welcome.
Moon Tell Me Truth: Exhibition launch Event
Showing at the upstairs event space at Creative Stirling Venue, 44 King Street, from the 19th of June until the 17th of July.
"Moon Tell Me Truth" is an exhibition by The Hands Up Project: an organisation that supports creative expression among children in Palestine.
Step into a powerful exhibition of poems, artworks, and a film screening installation by, and inspired by, children in Gaza, created through The Hands Up Project. These deeply moving works, many by children displaced or no longer with us, offer a glimpse into young lives shaped by conflict but rich in creativity, hope, and resilience.
Featuring original artwork, poetry, and an immersive installation, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect and respond creatively in solidarity.
Join us for our family friendly launch event on Thursday the 19th of June, 6-8pm, here at Creative Stirling Venue (44 King Street, Stirling). The official opening if free and open to all, with readings, conversation, refreshments, and community gathering.
Copies of the book Moon, Tell Me Truth will be available throughout the exhibition from Made in Stirling store (located downstairs from the exhibition). Proceeds support The Hands Up Project’s work with children in Palestine.
We will also be hosting a family friendly creative writing workshop on Friday the 11th of July. More information coming soon.
Find out more about the Hands Up project here.
I Saw the TV Glow Screening & Discussion
Join us for a screening of Jane Schoenbrun's film I Saw the TV Glow (2024). The screening will be followed by a post-screening discussion as part of Dr Darren Elliott-Smith's research project The Struggle is Real: Queer Horror and Trauma.
About the film:
I Saw the TV Glow (2024) directed by trans filmmaker Jane Schoenbrun (We're all Going to the World’s Fair (2021) is an indie-horror which focuses on the relationship between two angst ridden teens, Owen (Justice Smith) and Maddy (Jack Haven) who bond over their love of the fictional cult TV series The Pink Opaque (a Buffy The Vampire Style, monster of the week TV horror serial). The show and their obsessive love of it, provides escape from a world of bullying and oppression that sees Owen and Maddy as Others within a high-school milieu of jocks and prom nights. They begin to feel that the lead characters of The Pink Opaque (Isobel and Tara) are indeed fictional versions of themselves, and that the TV world is in fact reality leaving them questioning their own lives and identities. I Saw the TV Glowhas been praised by LGBTQ+ scholars and critics alike in its representation of embodied Otherness, dysmorphia and alternative sexuality. Schoenbrun's film uses LGBTQ+ fan experience to demonstrate how film and TV can play a vital part in allowing queer folks to find themselves via identification with characters and situations on screen.
About the post-screening discussion:
The screening will be followed by a post-screening discussion where the film's themes and representations will be considered in contrast and comparison with audiences' own lived experiences of difference, loneliness, isolation, desire, and trauma. We will ask those joining the discussion to think about the ways in which we engage with film and TV shows in order to find expression and identification in a world that increasingly feels oppressive for those who identify as LGBTQ+.
Please note: the post-screening discussion is entirely optional. Participants who do decide to join us are able to leave the discussion at any time, and a quiet space will also be available should anyone feel they need some time on their own.
About Dr Elliott-Smith's research project:
Queer Horror is a sub-genre that describes horror and Gothic media that has been reclaimed by LGBTQ+ communities. Queer Horror often confronts, reinterprets and works through previously oppressive tropes and conventions from the genre to allow for an expression of trauma, anxiety and desire felt deeply by LGBTQ+ folks in the recent difficult cultural moment. This series of screenings is programmed by the University of Stirling/Creative Stirling as part of an ongoing community/academic project entitled The Struggle is Real: Queer Horror and Trauma. Taking some key examples from recent cinema, these film screenings will be introduced by published academics working in the field of Film, TV and Gender Studies and will be followed by post-screening discussions around the themes and experiences raised by and represented in the films.
Please note: this event is 18+.
Speakeasy Stirling #1
Join us for the first in our new regular monthly cultural nights 'Speakeasy Stirling', celebrating the best of contemporary talent. Each night will feature a mix of performance, great live music, and spoken word, and are programmed in collaboration with Kevin P Gilday (Stirling Makar).
Our first edition of Speakeasy Stirling will feature poet Iona Lee, comedian Chris Thorburn, live music from Waverley and Pippa Blundell, and guest DJ Nicola Meighan.
Please note: this event is strictly 18+. We will have a bar available on the night.
EVENT TIMES
7pm: Doors/Nicola Meighan DJ
7:30: Kevin Gilday Introduction and Poem
7:40: Waverley
8:10: Iona Lee
8:35: Break/Nicola DJ
8:55: Kevin Poem
9pm: Chris Thorburn
9:25: Pippa Blundell
10pm: Kevin Outro
10:05 - end: Nicola DJ
Gender Affirming Hair Cuts & Styles
Gender Affirming Hair Cuts & Styles
Location: Creative Stirling
Date & Time: Saturday 24th May, various appointments available between 1pm and 5pm
With: Inclusive stylists Carina Rose & Gemma
Cost:Free!
Ages: 13–35 (we will need to obtain parental/guardian consent for anyone under the age of 16)
Join us for a day of self-expression and care through free gender-affirming haircuts and styles, offered in a safe, inclusive space by two experienced and affirming stylists — Carina Rose and Gemma.
This event is for anyone aged 13–35 looking to explore or affirm their identity through hair in a warm and welcoming environment. Whether you’re after a fresh cut or a bold transformation, your style is valid and celebrated.
Spaces are limited — booking is essential!
Light refreshments provided
All genders, expressions, and identities welcome
This event is proudly part of the LGBT Jasmine Journeys Project, funded by Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing fund, promoting wellbeing, creativity, and community for LGBTQ+ youth.
Delivered by Creative Stirling in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland
Book your space here
Aromatherapy Workshop
Location: Creative Stirling
Date & Time: Friday 24th May, 10am–12pm
With: Community Development Officer Sam & LGBT Youth Worker Lou
Cost: Free!
Ages: 16–35
Join us for a relaxing morning of aromatherapy-inspired creativity, designed to support wellbeing and mindfulness. In this hands-on workshop, you'll get to make your own scented sleep masks, clay-scented jewellery, and soothing fidgets — perfect for promoting calm and relaxation.
This is a free, inclusive event for anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community aged 16–35 looking to unwind, get creative, and connect with community in a supportive space.
Spaces are limited — booking is essential!
All genders, expressions, and identities welcome
We will also be welcoming Tom from Kooth, an online mental wellbeing community, to talk about the services they offer.
This event is proudly part of the LGBT Jasmine Journeys Project, funded by the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund — promoting creativity, connection, and care the LGBTQIA+ community.
Fleapits, Jam Jars, and Cushions on Seats Screening and Roundtable
Saturday 8th May | 6:00-8:00pm | Tickets from £2
Fleapits, Jam Jars, and Cushions on Seats | 2007 | Dir. Amanda Aiken
Young friends Callum and Jane disagree about whether the cinemagoing experience is better now than in the past, interviewing older cinemagoers, cinema staff, and specialists to help settle the argument. The film helps to record people's experiences of going to the cinema from the 1920s to the 1960s.
The screening will be followed by a roundtable discussion on film preservation and the importance of moving image archives featuring Dr Maria Velez-Serna and archivist Karl Magee from the University of Stirling.
About our panelists:
María A. Vélez Serna teaches film and media at the University of Stirling. She enjoys archive research and is particularly interested in industrial, corporate and educational film and video, with her current work focusing on histories of coal mining in Scotland and Colombia. She has published a book on unconventional film screening places (Ephemeral Cinema Spaces, 2020) and co-authored another book on Early Cinema in Scotland (2018).
The film is provided by the National Library of Scotland's Moving Image Archive. More information on the archive can be found here.
This screening is part of our ‘Unlocking the Archives’ project. Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFIs Film Audience Network, awarding funds from Screen Scotland and National Lottery Funding from the BFI.
Dahomey - Film Screening
Saturday 10th May | 4:00-5:30pm | Free entry
The journey of 26 plundered royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey exhibited in Paris, now being returned to Benin. Diop artistically voices a new generation's demands.
Join us for this free screening of Mati Diop's award-winning documentary Dahomey.
Co-organised with the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK as part of the LUX Audience Awards competition.
Watch a trailer for the film here.
Flow - Family Friendly Film Screening
Saturday 10th May | 1:00-3:00pm | Free entry
Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences.
Join us for this free family-friendly screening of the Oscar-winning animated film Flow.
Co-organised with the European Parliament Liaison Office in the UK as part of the LUX Audience Awardscompetition.
Watch a trailer for the film here.
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story Screening and Roundtable
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story | 2017 | Dir. Alexandra Dean
A documentary celebrating the life and career of the hailed Hollywood star and genius inventor Hedy Lamarr.
The screening will be followed by a roundtable discussion on feminist media led by Dr Darren Elliott-Smith and Dr Susan Berridge from the University of Stirling.
Supported by Film Hub Scotland, part of the BFI's Film Audience Network, awarding funds from Screen Scotland and National Lottery funding from the BFI.
Watch a trailer for the film here.
Engulf: it’s about connection.
Exhibition by Keri Colville
15th of April - 11th of May | Open 10am-5pm Daily
Creative Stirling Venue, Gallery 1
Come and experience Engulf—a bold, dynamic installation by emerging artist Keri Colville, created in collaboration with some of our young people, youth volunteers, friends, and members of our local community.
In collaboration with Creative Stirling, Engulf explores what it means to be part of a community in 2025. Built using reclaimed textiles from Radical Weavers and the Stirling Reuse Hub, the work transforms the exhibition space into something playful, thoughtful, and deeply human.
Keri asked, "What does community mean to you?" The word that echoed through every conversation was connection—and this installation invites you to feel exactly that.
Come along, be part of it, and see what happens when art, people, and place intertwine.
Creative Youth Assembly, with special guest Hugh MacDonald
Our second CYA guest of 2025 is the incredible Hugh MacDonald: a local, well know football journalist.
“Hugh MacDonald has been a journalist for more than 50 years. He was chief sub editor, literary editor and chief sports writer during his career. His work has also appeared in the Daily Mail, the Guardian and Nutmeg and Slate magazines . He regularly broadcasts on BBC and plz soccer.”
This session would be brilliant for anyone interested in journalism, sport, football, or just interested in learning more about media, as Hugh also features in several documentaries (including Alex Ferguson's recent documentary), as well as podcasts, TV, and YouTube shows.
Sign up here (sign up essential)
Suitable for ages 13-25
Forth Valley Creative Network: Creative Flow #4
Event Date: Friday 21st March
Event Time: 9-11am
Event Location: Stirling University Innovation Park, University of Stirling, Hillfoots Rd, FK9 4NF
Join the Forth Valley Creative Network on Friday 21st March for our next Creative Flow gathering where we bring together creatives from across the Forth Valley region to connect and share news or opportunities. There will be free coffee, tea, and fruit available for attendees. This month we're delighted to be collaborating with our friends at Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP) and Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.
What to expect?
Creative Flow is a casual monthly gathering of creatives who practice, work, and/or live in the Forth Valley region. A creative peer network to support, share news and opportunities with each other. When you arrive, help yourself to a cuppa and settle in, we will have a short introduction from Lynn Harris, Head of Innovation Park and Forth Valley Chamber who will introduce us to the activities of SUIP and the Forth Valley Chamber, followed by community shoutouts where you can highlight an opportunity or creative project you are working on. The rest of the morning will be blethering and connecting.
Who will be there?
Creatives of any stage, age, creative discipline, or practice. This is a safe and welcoming event for creatives alike to connect, extend their professional networks, and find out about upcoming opportunities in the Forth Valley region. Creatives can be hard to define: all are welcome, but as a guide we're expecting artists, writers, performers, designers, musicians, digital creators, studio providers, support orgs, craft makers, producers, curators, filmmakers, animators, game designers, art directors, educators, participatory creatives, workshop providers, architects, fashion, and many more. For this Creative Flow we will be mixing with the wider business community in Forth Valley through FVChamber members and SUIP residents.
About Stirling University Innovation Park:
Stirling University Innovation Park (SUIP) is a dynamic business hub established in 1986. Set within the University of Stirling Campus, the Innovation Park offers spectacular views and inspiring environment for over 60 innovative companies, fostering collaboration and growth. SUIP offers flexible office and laboratory spaces ranging from 400 to 3,000 square feet, complemented by state-of-the-art conference facilities, meeting rooms, and unlimited business connections through networking opportunities & events. Its strategic location near Stirling's city centre and major motorway networks ensures excellent connectivity, making it an ideal base for businesses aiming for high growth and innovation.
About Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce:
As the leading business membership organisation in Stirling, Falkirk, and Clackmannanshire, the Chamber is dedicated to supporting businesses at every stage, from start-ups to scale-ups, helping them grow and succeed. Our core mission is to drive local economic growth by fostering collaboration, supporting businesses, and promoting positive change. We work tirelessly every day to provide our members with the tools, resources, and networking opportunities they need to navigate an ever-evolving business environment. Through workshops, networking events, and business-to-business connections, we are committed to empowering businesses of all sizes and industries. As an affiliate of both the Scottish Chambers of Commerce and the British Chambers of Commerce, we amplify our members' voices and extend their reach far beyond the Forth Valley. Join the Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce and become part of a dynamic and expanding network of businesses across Central Scotland.
SPRINGBOARD: Assembly for Creative Climate Action 2025 - Stirling Watch Party
PURCHASE YOUR SPRINGBOARD 2025 TICKET HERE
RSVP TO OUR WATCH PARTY HERE
About the event
We are a watch party host for the first day of CCS's SPRINGBOARD: Assembly for Creative Climate Action 2025.
The event will be all about transformational change. Attendees will explore how the arts and cultural sector can work on their own transformation and contribute to the transformation of wider society. Wednesday March 5th will focus on keynote speakers and inspiration.
SPRINGBOARD 2025 will be held online to minimise travel emissions and maximise geographical conclusion. However, face-to-face conversations are important for networking and instigating or strengthening collaborative relationships. Local watch parties including ours in Stirling will be held in various locations so attendees can watch and listen together, then discuss, meet, and share ideas.
Nibbles will be provided on the day, but please do feel free to bring along a packed lunch if you would like something more substantial. There are also lots of lovely cafes around our venue.
Two tickets
People from cultural and climate organisations, local government and freelance creatives, and climate champions from the area can sign up here to attend SPRINGBOARD 2025 at our venue. Spaces are limited so RSVP is essential.
Remember, you must also purchase a SPRINGBOARD 2025 ticket via Zoom events here.
That's two tickets - one from us for our Day 1 watch party, and one from Culture for Climate Scotland covering both days of the Zoom event.
The second day (Thursday March 6th) will be entirely online in breakout rooms with interactive workshops, panels, and discussions.
Outline programme
Wednesday March 5th
10.15am-5.30pm including breaks
This first day will focus on keynote speakers and inspiration. We’ll watch, listen and learn together at our watch party in Stirling.
Speakers will include:
Rebecca Ford, Director of the International Futures Forum, will introduce the Three Horizons, a framework for structuring our thinking about the future to unlock transformative innovation.
Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee, will share her thoughts and experience on change, challenge and leadership.
Amina Shah, National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland, will talk about the library transformed – how to imagine the next chapter in an age of uncertainty.
Throughout the day there will be artistic contributions by Ink Asher Hemp, freelance multidisciplinary artist, facilitator and advocate. Attendees will have time for networking in small groups.
Creative Youth Assembly (Ages 13-25)
February 25th 6-8pm | Creative Stirling Venue, 44 King Street, FK8 1AY
What is CYA?
Creative Youth Assembly is a monthly group for ages 13-25.
Currently runs once a month, the group brings together young people to take part in creative activities, learn more about potential career pathways, learn new skills, develop friendships, and have fun.
We regularly bring in professions working in creative, and sometimes not creative, careers to talk about their pathways, the realities of the work they do, and give advice to our group members.
What’s on this month?
Our first CYA guest of 2025 is the incredible Gregg McNeill! A local photographer with over 25 years of experience, Gregg specialises in Victorian camera and dark room processes.
“Gregg McNeill is a Photographer specialising in older analogue processes such as Wetplate Collodion Tintype and Ambrotype, Salt Printing, Cyanotype and wet darkroom processes. He’s going to show some examples of cameras, lenses and images made with these older processes and talk about how these processes have influenced his work.” Find out more about Gregg’s work here.
Sign up essential here!
Forth Valley Creative Network: Creative Flow #3
Event Date: Wednesday 5th February
Event Time: 9-11am
Event Location: Lime Tree House, North Castle Street, Alloa, FK10 1EX
Join the Forth Valley Creative Network on February 5th for our next Creative Flow gathering where we bring together creatives from across the Forth Valley region to connect and share news or opportunities. There will be free coffee, tea, and fruit available for attendees. This month we're delighted to be collaborating with our friends at Clackmannanshire Creative Community and the makers at Lime Tree House in Alloa.
What to expect?
Creative Flow is a casual monthly gathering of creatives who practice, work, and/or live in the Forth Valley region. A creative peer network to support, share news and opportunities with each other. When you arrive, help yourself to a cuppa and settle in, we will have a short introduction from Susi who will introduce us to the activities of the Clackmannanshire Creative Community, followed by community shoutouts where you can highlight an opportunity or creative project you are working on. The rest of the morning will be blethering.
Who will be there?
Creatives of any stage, age, creative discipline, or practice. This is a safe and welcoming event for creatives alike to connect, extend their professional networks, and find out about upcoming opportunities in the Forth Valley region. Creatives can be hard to define: all are welcome, but as a guide we're expecting artists, writers, performers, designers, musicians, digital creators, studio providers, support orgs, craft makers, producers, curators, filmmakers, animators, game designers, art directors, educators, participatory creatives, workshop providers, architects, fashion, and many more.
About Clackmannanshire Creative Community:
Clackmannanshire Creative Community (CCC) was established to foster support, collaboration, and inspiration for designers and creative professionals in the Clacks area. We’re an informal group that meets monthly for coffee and conversation, always eager to welcome creatives from all disciplines to join us. Long term CCC hopes to bring the benefits of creativity to the wider community while creating a nurturing space where creatives can connect, collaborate, and share. For anyone interested in joining us for a coffee, please get in touch with Susi Sinclair at susi@susisinclair.co.uk
About Lime Tree House Creative Studios:
Housed within Lime Tree House, Alloa, we are a creative corridor which is comprised of a number of artistic studios, varied in practice. We are located on the first floor, which can be accessed by both stairs and a lift - please ask at the reception for use of the lift. An accessible bathroom and baby change facilities are available on the ground floor. Car parking is also available to the left of Lime Tree House - take the first turning on your left after you have turned into North Castle Street.
Book your space here.
Forth Valley Creative Network is a recipient of the Create:Networks 2024/25 fund supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland. The fund will enable groups, organisations, and creative practitioners to build new or develop existing local creative networks as enablers for sustainable creative communities in Scotland.
Forth Valley Creative Network: Creative Flow #2
Event Date: Wednesday 18th December
Event Time: 9:30-11:30am
Event Location: Made in Stirling Store, 44 King Street, Stirling, FK8 1AY
Forth Valley Creative Network Creative Flow is hosted by Creative Stirling and collaborators as we grow a Forth Valley Creative Network to bring together creatives from across the region. Join us on December 18th for our next Creative Flow gathering where we bring together creatives from across the Forth Valley region to connect at Made in Stirling store and share news or opportunities. There will be free coffee, tea, and fruit available for attendees.
What to expect?
Creative Flow is a casual monthly gathering of creatives who practice, work, and/or live in the Forth Valley region. A creative peer network to support, share news and opportunities with each other. When you arrive, help yourself to a cuppa and settle in, we will have a short introduction from Joe who will introduce us to the activities of Made in Stirling and Creative Stirling, followed by community shoutouts where you can highlight an opportunity or creative project you are working on. The rest of the morning will be blethering.
Who will be there?
Creatives of any stage, age, creative discipline, or practice. This is a safe and welcoming event for creatives alike to connect, extend their professional networks, and find out about upcoming opportunities in the Forth Valley region. Creatives can be hard to define: all are welcome, but as a guide we're expecting artists, writers, performers, designers, musicians, digital creators, studio providers, support orgs, craft makers, producers, curators, filmmakers, animators, game designers, art directors, educators, participatory creatives, workshop providers, architects, fashion, and many more.
About Made in Stirling:
Made in Stirling's values lie in reinvigorating the local high street and retail economy through access to arts and culture. They support the local creative community by upholding a sustainable creative enterprise business model, building an innovative ecosystem for creators, consumers, and educators.
Facilities:
Access to Made in Stirling is at street level on King Street. There is a flight of stairs up to the event space which is also accessible by lift. The bathroom facilities are accessible by wheelchair and are located just past the event space which is also accessible by lift. Baby changing facilities are available.
Book your space here.
Forth Valley Creative Network is a recipient of the Create:Networks 2024/25 fund supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland. The fund will enable groups, organisations, and creative practitioners to build new or develop existing local creative networks as enablers for sustainable creative communities in Scotland.
Forth Valley Creative Network: Creative Flow #1
Event Date: Wednesday 27th November
Event Time: 9:30-11:30am
Event Location: Craft Central CIC, Riverview, High Street, Dunblane, FK15 0EE
Forth Valley Creative Network Creative Flow is hosted by Creative Stirling and collaborators as we grow a Forth Valley Creative Network to bring together creatives from across the region. We are delighted this month to be collaborating with Craft Central in Dunblane. Join us on November 27th for our next Creative Flow gathering where we bring together creatives from across the Forth Valley region to connect and share news or opportunities. There will be free coffee, tea, and fruit available for attendees.
What to expect?
Creative Flow is a casual monthly gathering of creatives who practice, work, and/or live in the Forth Valley region. A creative peer network to support, share news and opportunities with each other. When you arrive, help yourself to a cuppa and settle in, we will have a short introduction from Natalie who will introduce us to the activities of Craft Central's two schools - Central Scotland School of Craft and the Central Scotland School of Jewellery - followed by community shoutouts where you can highlight an opportunity or creative project you are working on. The rest of the morning will be blethering.
Who will be there?
Creatives of any stage, age, creative discipline, or practice. This is a safe and welcoming event for creatives alike to connect, extend their professional networks, and find out about upcoming opportunities in the Forth Valley region. Creatives can be hard to define: all are welcome, but as a guide we're expecting artists, writers, performers, designers, musicians, digital creators, studio providers, support orgs, craft makers, producers, curators, filmmakers, animators, game designers, art directors, educators, participatory creatives, workshop providers, architects, fashion, and many more.
About Craft Central:
Craft Central CIC is a craft gallery and a hub for creative learning. The accessible High Street studio is home to the Craft Central Gallery, the Central Scotland School of Craft and the Central Scotland School of Jewellery. They host an unparalleled selection of artisan workshops where participants can learn silver jewellery making, weaving, printmaking, mosaics, and more. The contemporary craft gallery stocks products crafted by local artisans and by the talented tutors who deliver the workshop programme. To find out more and to view their programme, visit Central Scotland School of Craft and Central Scotland School of Jewellery.
Facilities:
Access to Craft central is at street level on Dunblane's High Street. There is a flight of stairs down to the jewellery school which is also accessible by lift. The bathroom facilities are accessible by wheelchair and are located at basement level, which is also accessible by lift. There is a second accessible entrance at the back of the building on Millrow and Craft Central is accessible by lift from this level. Baby changing facilities are available.
Book your space here.
Forth Valley Creative Network is a recipient of the Create:Networks 2024/25 fund supported by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland. The fund will enable groups, organisations, and creative practitioners to build new or develop existing local creative networks as enablers for sustainable creative communities in Scotland.
MAKING A SCENE: Real Jobs in Film & TV with NFTS Scotland
What: Full day event with talks and workshops, introducing you to professionals working in film & TV.
When: Saturday 9th of November 2024 | 10:30am-16:00pm (all day event- arrive between 10:00 and 10:30am)
Where: Creative Stirling Venue, 44 King Street, Stirling, FK8 1AY
Cost: Free!
Who: Anyone ages 16+ with an interest in film, TV, and media
Book your space: HERE
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We are thrilled to announce our upcoming event, “Making a Scene: Real Jobs in Film & TV”. In partnership with the prestigious National Film & TV School (NFTS) Scotland, we are bringing industry professionals to run workshops and introduce you to the diverse careers in the world of screen production.
Are you fascinated by logistics (directing, producing, locations), creativity (design, costume, screenwriting), technical aspects (camera, sound, lighting), or post-production (editing, special effects, music)? Or are you simply curious about the various opportunities in the film and TV industry? Then this event is perfect for you!
The event will take place on Saturday 9th of November here at Creative Stirling, 44 King Street. It is open to anyone aged 16+ living in Forth Valley who is interested in learning more about the film and TV industry. The day will feature interactive workshops where you can engage with professionals in the industry, providing a hands-on learning experience.
This is a full day event, with attendance 10:30-4pm. Arrive between 10am and 10:30am for an 11am start. Here is a brief run through of the day-
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11am start
Talk from Judith from NFTS Scotland
Workshops (pick your choice of morning workshop)
Lunch Break (around 1 hour)
Workshops (pick your choice of afternoon workshops)
Closing Talk
Finish around 16:-00
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We are finalising the day's running order, and aim be in touch prior to the day with more information. We will provide water and soft drinks, but please bring lunch with you, or money to purchase something in town.
Booking is essential to confirm your space for this event. Click the link below to head to our booking platform.
https://madeinstirlingstore.com/creative-stirling-events/p/making-a-scene-real-jobs-in-film-tv-with-nfts-save-the-date
Any questions, please contact samg@creativestirling.org
We are so grateful to the amazing National Film & TV School for making this event possible.
Forth Valley Creative Economy Network - Stakeholder event
We are initialising a Creative Economy Network for the region and this first stakeholder meeting is call to action is to enable the broader knowledge and enterprise community across our three local authorities to make new connections to share, discuss and inform future approaches to Forth Valley’s city and regional development plans, through innovative thinking and entrepreneurial means.
Stakeholders from across public and third organisations, enterprise, academia, creative industries, culture, heritage and climate science sectors, are invited to contribute to the beginnings of this development forum for cross-sector conversations around the strategic opportunities to work together, responding to the priorities of the Regional Economic Strategy and Plans for Forth Valley.
Your perspective and insights will be crucial to helping us identify existing, emerging and future opportunities for collaboration across geographical and other perceived boundaries, to create new connections and possibilities for our region. An event outline and list of attendees will be shared after the RSVP deadline.
What to Expect:
A welcome from Creative Stirling and outline of the aims of the Forth Valley Creative Economy Network project funded by Creative Scotland.
Short presentations focused on key strategic areas and plans from fellow stakeholders from across Forth Valley.
Participation in facilitated group discussion on FV RES priorities.
Networking opportunities to connect with other key individuals to learn about plans and opportunities across the Forth Valley Region.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday 7 November
Time: 9am–11.30am
Venue: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ.
RSVP By: Monday 4 November
Please confirm your attendance by email. If you have any accessibility or dietary requirements, please describe how we can best support you to attend comfortably.
To register for this event, click here.
'Eyebrow Blocking: The Unsung Essential of Creative Makeup’: Creative Youth Assembly
Booking is essential! Book your space here
When: Wednesday 30th October 17:30-19:00
Where: Creative Stirling, 44 King Street, FK8 1AY
Who: For ages 13-25
What:
Katie is an award winning makeup artist, wigmaker and painter working in the creative industries for over 15 years (the last three in makeup).
For the last year she has been working in High End Television and Theatre as a hair and makeup artist/trainee.
Specialising in character looks, she also offers beauty makeup, editorial makeup and children’s face painting services.
In this workshop, Katie will be discussing her role within the industry, how she got into makeup artistry and what to expect if you decide to study it too!
She will then demonstrate how to ‘block out’ eyebrows, an essential skill to learn for makeup artistry…especially if you want to work in the theatre or are interested in drag makeup!
Creative Youth Assembly is a monthly session for young people to gain skills, meet new people, widen networks and opportunities.
Booking is essential! Book your space here
Forth Valley Creative Blether and Share #3
Event Date: Friday September 27th
Event Time: 10am-12pm
Event Location: Alloa Hub, Maple Court, FK10 1JX
Join us on September 27th for our next Forth Valley Creative Blether & Share event, where we bring together creatives from across the Forth Valley region to connect and share news or opportunities. There will be free coffee, tea and fruit available for attendees.
What to expect?
A casual gathering of creatives who practise, work and/or live in the Forth Valley region. The beginnings of a peer network to support, share news and opportunities with each other. When you arrive, help yourself to a cuppa and settle in, we will have a short introduction from Val who will introduce us to the activities of the Alloa Hub followed by community shout outs (where you can highlight an opportunity or creative project you are working on) the rest of the morning will be blethering. Given the recent Creative Scotland open project fund closure announcement, at the event we're also holding a safe space to discuss the news and its impacts to creative individuals.
Who will be there?
Creatives of any stage, age, creative discipline or practice. This is a safe and welcoming event for creatives alike to connect, extend their professional networks, and find out about upcoming opportunities in the Forth Valley region. Creatives can be hard to define, all are welcome, but as a guide we’re expecting artists, writers, performers, designers, musicians, digital creators, studio providers, support orgs, craft makers, producers, curators, film makers, animators, games designers, art directors, educators, participatory creatives, workshop providers, architects, fashion, and many more.
About Alloa Hub:
Alloa Hub was converted as part of the Living Alloa project into a vibrant community hub offering an information centre, public toilets, meeting space and is home to the Clackmannanshire Tapestry. We also support local companies with our “Made in Clacks” range
Facilities:
Alloa Hub is a fully accessible building, with disabled access toilets, baby changing facilities and all on one level. Parking is in the King Street carpark across from the hub. If coming by train/bus the hub is across the road from the stations.
Forth Valley Creative Blether & Share is hosted by Creative Stirling and collaborators, we are exploring the development of a Forth Valley Creative Network to bring together creatives from across the region.
Pride Pit Stop: Stirling Pride Youth Zone
“Pride Pit Stop” Youth Zone at Stirling Pride 2024
We’re thrilled to announce the "Pride Pit Stop"—a vibrant and inclusive Youth Zone at Stirling Pride 2024, brought to you by Creative Stirling, Stirling Pride, and LGBT Youth Scotland. This is Stirling's first-ever Pride event, and we’re excited to offer a dedicated space for young people aged 13-25 to celebrate, create, and connect!
About the Pride Pit Stop
Designed by and for young people, the Pride Pit Stop will feature a variety of engaging activities based on feedback from the community. Attendees can enjoy video games, nail and hair, hands-on craft projects, banner making, queering the map, origami, eco-activities, animation workshops, and more. It’s the perfect place to relax, have fun, and embrace inclusivity.
Event Details
Date: 21st September 2024
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: Event Space, Creative Stirling Venue (Upstairs at Made in Stirling store)
This space is open to any young person aged 13-25, offering a welcoming environment to celebrate diversity, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of our youth. If you’re interested in attending with a group, please get in touch to let us know rough numbers, or share this information within your networks to reach as many young people as possible.
For those interested in participating as an organization, please contact us to explore opportunities for involvement. Let’s come together to make history at Stirling Pride 2024!
For more information or any questions, please contact samg@creativestirling.org
Rainbow Resilience
“Rainbow Resilience”: LGBT Youth Exhibition
Dates: 16th September - 4th October, Open Daily 10am-5pm
Location: Event Space, Made in Stirling store, Creative Stirling Venue
Explore the vibrant creativity of Forth Valley’s LGBTQIA+ youth at the Rainbow Resilience Exhibition! This exhibition showcases the outcomes of the Lavender Lives initiative, a collaboration between Creative Stirling and LGBT Youth Scotland, funded by the YouthLink Arts Fund. Through this project, young people participated in a wide range of workshops, including animation, podcasting, ceramics, printmaking, board game design, and more, building resilience, enhancing mental wellbeing, and amplifying underrepresented voices.
Featured works include screen prints focused on Trans Rights, created during a session at Glasgow Print Studio with artist Ros Lawyers, and Queer Mapping projects that highlight the experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth in Forth Valley. You’ll also see digital designs for “Comin’ Oot,” a youth-created board game inspired by Lavender Lives, set to be professionally produced with support from Unseen Unheard, the National Library of Scotland, and University of Edinburgh.
Additional highlights include the Stirling Pride showreel animation and the Data Knight: Cyber Resilience game animation, developed in partnership with local creative David Galletly and LGBT Youth Scotland’s Digital Team.
Creative Stirling and LGBT Youth Scotland are committed to continuing their partnership, focusing on further enhancing creative skills, boosting employability, and fostering safer, more inclusive communities.
As part of this ongoing collaboration, they will also be hosting “Pride Pitstop: Youth Zone” at Stirling’s first-ever Pride event on 21st September 2024, in partnership with Stirling Pride.
Don't miss this inspiring exhibition! For more information, visit here.
Forth Valley Creative Blether & Share #2
Forth Valley Creative Blether & share #2
When: Friday 30 August; 10am-12pm
Where: D2 The Creative Centre, Lochlands Business Park, Larbert, FK5 3NS.
Join us on the 30th of August for our next Forth Valley Creative Blether & Share event, where we bring together creatives from across the Forth Valley region to connect and share news or opportunities. This month we sill hear from Adam Mckechnie, Director at D2 The Creative Centre about the hub and their activities. There will be free coffee, tea and fruit available for attendees.
What to expect?
A casual gathering of creatives who practise, work and/or live in the Forth Valley region. The beginnings of a peer network to support, share news and opportunities with each other. When you arrive, help yourself to a cuppa and settle in, we will have a short introduction from Adam who will introduce us to D2, followed by community shout outs (where you can highlight an opportunity or creative project you are working on) for about 15 minutes. The rest of the morning will be blethering.
Who will be there?
Creatives of any stage, age, creative discipline or practice. This is a safe and welcoming event for creatives alike to connect, extend their professional networks, and find out about upcoming opportunities in the Forth Valley region. Creatives can be hard to define, all are welcome, but as a guide we’re expecting artists, writers, performers, designers, musicians, digital creators, studio providers, support orgs, craft makers, producers, curators, film makers, animators, games designers, art directors, educators, participatory creatives, workshop providers, architects, fashion, and many more.
About D2
D2 The Creative Centre is a multi-purpose arts centre located in Lambert which houses a large teaching studio, a fantastic exhibition space, and 14 artists studios. A wide variety of classes run throughout the week offering classes for adults, young artists, and children. Find out more at https://www.d2thecreativecentre.uk.
Forth Valley Creative Blether & Share is hosted by Creative Stirling and collaborators, we are exploring the development of a Forth Valley Creative Network to bring together creatives from across the region.
To register for this event, please follow this link here.
Creative Futures in Further Education with ACES
Wednesday 28th August 16:30-18:00
Made in Stirling/Creative Stirling Venue, 44 King Street, FK8 1AY
Suitable for S4 - S6 pupils (S1-S3 welcome to find out information for future!)
We are so excited to welcome Jasmine from ACES (Access to Creative Education Scotland), who will be running this informative session as part of our Creative Youth Assembly group.
ACES offer incredible support to young people who are interested in studying creative industry courses in further education (university). They provide direct support, deliver events and workshops to help you prepare your portfolio and further support during your study.
Come along and find out more at this free information session. Find out more eligibility criteria below.
For more information, please contact samg@creativestirling.org
Who are ACES?
ACES is a Widening Participation programme for eligible S4 to S6 who wish to study a visual creative subject such as art, design or architecture. It offers events and activities to help you better understand your chosen subject and prepares you for the application process. ACES provides encouragement and impartial advice for visual creative careers. We will support you with your application for any university.
Support offered by ACES-
We will support you through all stages of the pre-application process, including school subject choices and portfolio preparation. We will also help with the UCAS application process for art, design, and architecture.
We will work with you to support your creative development, explore your options and help you create a competitive application.
You can expect guidance in choosing and applying for a visual creative degree that is right for you through:
advice and guidance for your school subject choices and application requirements for you, your parents, carers or advisers
access to practical hands-on workshops to develop your skills relevant to your subject area
opportunities to meet current students
People who are offered support by ACES-
you are care experienced
you live in a Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile 1 or 2 postcode area (a quintile is a 20% portion of the whole postcode range)
you are an unpaid young carer
you are estranged from your family
you are a refugee or asylum seeker
you are entitled to free school meals (FSM)
you are entitled to Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
you live in a low-income household
you live in an area considered to be remote/rural
your education has been impacted by challenging circumstances
https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/access-edinburgh/high-school-students/access-to-creative-education-in-scotland-aces
Creative Futures in Further Education with ACES
Wednesday 31st July 16:30-18:00
Made in Stirling/Creative Stirling Venue, 44 King Street, FK8 1AY
We are so excited to welcome Jasmine from ACES (Access to Creative Education Scotland), who will be running this informative session as part of our Creative Youth Assembly group.
ACES offer incredible support to young people who are interested in studying creative industry courses in further education (university). They provide direct support, deliver events and workshops to help you prepare your portfolio and further support during your study.
Come along and find out more at this free information session. Find out more eligibility criteria below.
For more information, please contact samg@creativestirling.org
Book space here - https://madeinstirlingstore.com/creative-stirling-events/p/creative-futures-in-further-education-with-aces
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Who are ACES?
ACES is a Widening Participation programme for eligible S4 to S6 who wish to study a visual creative subject such as art, design or architecture. It offers events and activities to help you better understand your chosen subject and prepares you for the application process. ACES provides encouragement and impartial advice for visual creative careers. We will support you with your application for any university.
Support offered by ACES-
We will support you through all stages of the pre-application process, including school subject choices and portfolio preparation. We will also help with the UCAS application process for art, design, and architecture.
We will work with you to support your creative development, explore your options and help you create a competitive application.
You can expect guidance in choosing and applying for a visual creative degree that is right for you through:
advice and guidance for your school subject choices and application requirements for you, your parents, carers or advisers
access to practical hands-on workshops to develop your skills relevant to your subject area
opportunities to meet current students
People who are offered support by ACES-
you are care experienced
you live in a Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) quintile 1 or 2 postcode area (a quintile is a 20% portion of the whole postcode range)
you are an unpaid young carer
you are estranged from your family
you are a refugee or asylum seeker
you are entitled to free school meals (FSM)
you are entitled to Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
you live in a low-income household
you live in an area considered to be remote/rural
your education has been impacted by challenging circumstances
https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/access-edinburgh/high-school-students/access-to-creative-education-in-scotland-aces
Community and Media Matters - Content Creation Skills Course
Monday 22nd July - Thursday 25th July
10am-3pm Daily (must commit to all 4 days)
Free Event. Booking required.
Ages 12+
Creative Stirling along with Stirling Community Media are delivering a media skills course ‘Community and Media Matters’ (CAMM) this Summer.
The course will take place from Monday 22nd July until Thursday 25th July, 10am- 3pm daily. To complete the course, you must commit to all 4 days.
Aimed at young people in secondary school (ages 12+) who have an interest in all forms of media and content creation, and employability.
We will cover the following aspects of media creation:
Planning
Presenting
Production
Podcasting
Promotion
Over the duration of the course, candidates will plan, design, and create their own radio show or podcast which they will receive in digital format upon completion. They will also get a certificate to document their learning and to add to the C.V. and employment portfolios.
The course will be delivered by ‘Ryan RocKs’, a community and radio presenter with many years of facilitation, broadcasting, presenting, performance, and entertainment experience. Ryan is currently a presenter on Castle Sound Radio, a trustee for Stirling Community Media, and is the Community and Media Matters Coordinator for Creative Stirling.
The course will take place at Stirling Community Radio studios, based upstairs in Made in Stirling store. Please note: lunch is not provided.
Book space here- https://madeinstirlingstore.com/creative-stirling-events/p/community-and-media-matters-content-creation-skills-course
Lavender Lives: Radio & Podcasting
Monday 15th July - Thursday 18th July
10am-3pm Daily (must commit to all 4 days)
Free Event. Booking required.
Ages 13-25
Creative Stirling along with Stirling Community Media are delivering a media skills course ‘Community and Media Matters’ (CAMM) this Summer.
The course will take place from Monday 15th July - Thursday 18th July, 10am- 3pm daily. To complete the course, you must commit to all 4 days.
Aimed at young people in secondary school (ages 12+) who have an interest in all forms of media and content creation, and employability.
We will cover the following aspects of media creation:
Planning
Presenting
Production
Podcasting
Promotion
Over the duration of the course, candidates will plan, design, and create their own radio show or podcast which they will receive in digital format upon completion. They will also get a certificate to document their learning and to add to the C.V. and employment portfolios.
The course will be delivered by ‘Ryan RocKs’, a community and radio presenter with many years of facilitation, broadcasting, presenting, performance, and entertainment experience. Ryan is currently a presenter on Castle Sound Radio, a trustee for Stirling Community Media, and is the Community and Media Matters Coordinator for Creative Stirling.
The course will take place at Stirling Community Radio studios, based upstairs in Made in Stirling store. Please note: lunch is not provided.
Ages 13-25
Book your space here- https://madeinstirlingstore.com/creative-stirling-events/p/lavender-lives-radio-podcasting