University’s Banks Mill Studios to host digital open studios

Banks Mill Studios, one of the University of Derby’s incubation centres specialising in the creative industries, is hosting a digital Open Studios event this weekend, (Saturday 28-Sunday 29 November) to showcase the work of its artists.

The event, ‘Banks Mill Unwrapped’, will be streamed via Facebook as an alternative to the traditional ‘open house’ festive event that is usually held at the studios. This year, 3D sculptural artists, jewellers, textiles artists, photographers and fine artists, as well as teachers of printmaking and bridal suppliers, will be showcasing their businesses and products. The event will allow people to browse virtually the work produced within the five floors of creative studios.

There will also be the opportunity to get to know six of the artists who will be giving tours of their studios, talking about their work process and showcasing some of the pieces they are currently working on, via Instagram live. Two of the artists taking part in the live session are current Fashion Design and Marketing student Renata Krawczyk, whose business Stitch the Inch upcycles clothes and furniture, and alumna Abbie Sunter, a ceramic sculptor who graduated from the University with a degree in Fine Art.

As well as the opportunity to see behind the scenes, there is the option to purchase work directly from the artists by visiting their websites and social media feeds and commissioning original pieces, with some businesses offering special offers during the event. The studios will also be running an advent calendar initiative across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with prizes, such as workshops, on offer every day throughout December.

Karen Holland, Banks Mill Co-Ordinator, said: “Despite the pandemic we still wanted the opportunity for the community to see the great work our artists and designers are producing. This event will showcase our local and homegrown artistic and design talent in a unique way which will give the audience an insight into the people and the spaces behind the beautifully designed products.

“People also have the opportunity to purchase some original handmade products or experiences for themselves or their loved ones, as well as support Derby’s creative community in what has been a difficult year.”

Banks Mill is an old Victorian rope factory which was purchased by the University of Derby in 1998 and converted into studios, and today it is a hub of activity offering space to people wishing to start a business within the creative industries sector.

To find out more about ‘Banks Mill Unwrapped’, visit Banks Mill Studios’ website.