A survey is to take place to discover how arty Uppingham is.

The board of the Uppingham First Community Partnership recently decided to support the concept of establishing a community artisan hub in vacant high street premises.

Now, a survey of artisan interest and aspiration is being circulated within Rutland to see how viable its ambitions are.

Designed by local artisan Lauren Tipler of Farrow and Rose , interested parties are being invited to complete the survey and return it to Lauren and the partnership at [email protected]

For a copy of the survey e-mail Lauren or Uppingham First at [email protected]

Uppingham First says the idea for a Creative Hub is not just about shopping; it is about producing an artistic space for the community.

The Hub will be a place where local makers can come together and form a community of like-minded people who can support and encourage each other.

It will be an opportunity to sell goods on the high street, work in a quiet or a collaborative space and run/attend classes or workshops.

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The hub could run workshops both by, and for, its members. Workshops/classes run by members for the general public, possibly including school groups, as well as bringing in external professionals who can help support its members in the building of their businesses (from business skills to social media and product photography for example).

The hub shop front will aim to provide members with the chance to sell their products which is currently otherwise mostly done online through social media or websites such as Etsy because of the substantial cost of operating in a town centre alone.

An artisan membership fee will help to cover the costs of the project, Uppingham First added.