Category: Consultation

Consultation Update: Part 2!

17/11/2019

We'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has contributed their thoughts and ideas to our ongoing consultation about transforming the first floor of Stirchley Library into a community art space. Comments have continued to be returned via the website form and on the paper flyers handed in at the library, so we thought we'd share some more of them.

"I love this idea. A community art space, drop-in-do-your-own-thing, free-have-a-go workshops, bring-your-own-materials, try 'our' materials, group bring-your-own-projects workshops, paid for classes / courses.
I'd love this as at home there are often too many things going on and art takes a back seat, using a shared space and groups would encourage me to 'do'."

The comments we have received have continued to be incredibly positive and supportive, both in terms of there being a new community art space, and also in how it will benefit the library itself in the longer term.

"I'm a working class 30 something who thinks that a life drawing class at the MAC would be hard! I would love to be able to be creative with an artist who didn't have any expectations of my ability... So, art for people who are interested but haven't been to college or even done a GCSE. I'd be up for that..."

"I think it would be fantastic for the community to have a dedicated arts space above the library, increasing footfall to the library as a side effect, and making the most of an existing building that has so much potential.
We came along to the summer workshops and really enjoyed them. If they were a regular feature we would certainly come along."

"It sounds an excellent idea. Stirchley is becoming a very good example of a thriving and enthusiastic community. it should be a good way to keep the lovely library building up. The library workers are all so helpful... It should create a complementary service to the thriving activities available next door at Stirchley Baths."

The particular heritage of Stirchley Library has been mentioned, and the relevance of this is something that has also come up in the face-to-face conversations we have had with members of the community over the past few months. Stirchley Art Room at Stirchley Library seems to feel like a good fit, an appropriate and meaningful partnership, that pays tribute to a local history of community benevolence and recognises the special role the arts can play within this.

"I whole-heartedly support your dream of a community art room in Stirchley, more particularly in the first floor of the Library! Amidst all our preoccupations of daily life, and compounded by the dearth of community space and time, we desperately need to re-inspire ourselves and connect in meaningful ways. This is a fantastic way of doing it. Especially in a building that was made possible by Carnegie and Cadbury. I can think of no better way to honour and sustain their legacy."

We will continue to keep the community updated on the progress of our consultation, and we thank the staff of Stirchley Library and FOSL for their support with this, as well as APEC architects. Huge appreciation too to the National Lottery Community Fund for funding the consultation project.

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An update on our consultation project...

28/9/2019

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Over the past few weeks, we have been seeking your thoughts & suggestions about our idea to transform some of the first floor of Stirchley Library into a community art room.

Sarah spoke to attendees at a recent Stirchley Forum meeting, we had a stall at the Stirchley Late Summer Bash at the end of August (seems like a long time ago!), and we have been in the library on the past two Saturdays working alongside other community events.
On Heritage Open Day we invited visitors to show some love for the library by making origami library hearts and adding thoughts about the past, present and future of the library to a copy of the rather beautiful architectural plans. Earlier today we teamed up with Lego Club to help children think about what the library of the future might look like. Amongst our favourite ideas were rooftop gardens, slides between floors and robotic arms to help select books! Very cool.
Lots of people have shared their thoughts with us - both by filling in our online form and by commenting on our consultation flyers. Happily, these responses have been overwhelmingly positive...

"The arts are a vital part of our society & funding a permanent art room at Stirchley Library would be a great asset to the local community. It would also encourage young people to use the libraries. Win-win."

"Fantastic! My family love Stirchley Library and love art & craft activities. They would love to do some more local art activities.
As a trainee play therapist ... I am aware of much evidence of the positive impact of art, creative & community activities on healthy brain development & social skills for children."

"What a great idea for our community.
A space where our kids could come and learn and develop skills, a safe space to meet other people or to be inspired.
Somewhere to try things out if i can't afford to buy materials yet. Also, to keep the library open in essential."

We are going to continue to ask people about our plans during the course of the feasibility study (in partnership with Apec Architects, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund) - please spread the word and keep letting us know what you think!

Nicki

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Consultation Update: Part 2!

An update on our consultation project...

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