Summer Arts Pop-Up

Victoria Shopping Centre. School summer holidays.

You may imagine families flocking through in search of flip flops, ice cream or possibly a labubu.

But sitting next to the Entertainer, towards the bus station exit of Upper Mall, is something allowing creative energies to flow free.

What is it?

The Summer Arts Pop Up is a collaboration between Young Creatives Nottingham, ChalleNGe and other local creative partners. Its part funded by The Arts Council England, and aims to make creativity accessible to all through oodles of free creative activities.

It’s a place for children to come and freely explore their creative side. In a way that’s fun. According to one seven-year-old, in a way that’s ‘way cooler than at school.’

What can I expect?

Walking into the Summer Arts Pop Up, you are hit with colour, positivity and, well, creativity. 

I don’t know what I’d been expecting … maybe something a bit more akin to a school art class … but to reiterate the words of the earlier quoted seven-year-old, its ‘way cooler than at school.’

Different organisations run workshops each day. When I visited, tables were covered in bugs (dead and behind glass, thankfully) from Wollaton Hall. Somewhat unlikely muses for visitor’s masterpieces. 

There were stations to learn how to print on fabric – creations beautifully hung like bunting to dry – and some cardboard DIY practice with play tools. [Hint: if you get the kids to practice DIY early, they might soon be able to help you fix that kitchen cupboard]. 

As a child, I often enjoyed making a blanket den under the steps, but sadly my creations would’ve never compared to the reading den here. Snug, dimly lit and beautifully decorated, children gravitated towards the den, books in hand.

I also saw a very large abundance of lego, activities around nature and children’s rights, and a lovely exercise where children draw their special place. Sara, one of the volunteers, told me children have drawn landscapes near and far – Nottingham, London, the Philippines, Finland, Afghanistan. She said the conversations this activity opened up between children were incredible. 

I’m still not sure … is the Summer Arts Pop Up for me?

I’d say yes.

There were toddlers, children, teens and adults enjoying the Pop-Up when I visited. All different levels of experience. All different backgrounds.

Amir and Famita were visiting for the third time with their children Taha, 8, and Iliya, 6. They were all enjoying drawing. And I mean all – Mum and Dad were creating their own masterpieces too. The boys said they’ve enjoyed bookmark and bracelet making on other visits. I didn’t ask if Mum and Dad had joined in with that too. They’d be welcome to, of course. 

So, will you be visiting the Summer Arts Pop Up? 

Open daily from 11-3pm, Wednesday to Saturday until 30th August, the Summer Arts Pop Up is the perfect way to get little minds (and slightly bigger ones) exploring their creativity this summer. 

See you there?

Written by Georgia Hamblett, YCA 2024 Creative Writing 19-24 Category winner.

Photography by Louis Levers