Relaxed and informal afternoons of creativity and community - monthly and free.

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.

Who is this event for?

Any people of LGBTQIA+ or questioning identities aged 18 + are welcome to join us! Safe spaces code of conduct will be in place - please familiarise yourself before booking on.

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 people bring their friends, family members or parner/s to the session, 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, unless we are actively collaborating and it has been agreed prior to the session.

❤️ PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CAN COMMIT TO JOINING US AT THE TIME OF BOOKING, AND IF ANYTHING CHANGES GET IN TOUCH AS SOON AS YOU CAN VIA E-MAIL ZESTYSCOLLECTIVE@GMAIL.COM OR DM @ZESTYSCOLLECTIVE ON INSTAGRAM - THANK YOU ❤️

What are we crafting?

We'll be switching between various activities like paper crafts, painting, sculpting and textile based activities like knitting crochet and embroidery for all sessions, with materials provided and people to guide you if you're new to a material/process. If you have never crafted before, we always have simple activities you can just pick up with no previous knowledge (e.g. beaded bracelets).

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

Who are Notts LGBT+ Network?

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.

Who are Zesty’s Collective?

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.

See our previous events in the photos below

Useful information

• Will there be refreshments and snacks?

We always have a few snacks available but feel free to bring your own, although please avoid bringing nuts to the space due to allergies. If you have any allergies yourself please let us know when you book your space. Donations are welcome 😊

• Do I need to bring anything?

We have 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 needs there and we'll be in touch.

Disposable masks are available. We'll have some ear foamies 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, an

Description supplied by the event organiser.