Camborne’s New Creative Hub Raises £2500 for Free Pottery Classes

The second phase of work at the Create Contemporary Crafts Hub in Camborne has been completed, marking another milestone for the community project. Visitors to the official launch were treated to an impressive display of pottery and a tour of the newly finished facilities, which aim to boost creativity in the town.

Launch Day Success

At the launch event, attendees explored the hub’s state-of-the-art pottery studio while enjoying a glass of wine. The highlight of the day was a raffle featuring over 100 unique mugs, donated by renowned ceramicists such as Leach Pottery, Richard Phethean, and Kate Malone. The raffle raised more than £2500, with all proceeds going towards offering free after-school pottery classes for local children.

The fully accessible studio boasts a range of equipment, including various sized kilns, a glaze room with spray booth, and space for slip casting. The hub also has teaching areas and spaces for members to work independently.

Photo: Guests at the opening of the new Create Contemporary Crafts Hub studio.

Camborne Town Deal Support

Create Contemporary Crafts Hub is one of ten projects funded by the Camborne Town Deal. Val Dalley, Chair of the Camborne Town Deal board, attended the launch and expressed her gratitude to the Create CIC team for their hard work in transforming the Donald Thomas Centre into an inclusive creative hub.

“This is a significant achievement,” Val said. “The hub received nearly £474,000 from the Town Deal’s £23.7 million allocation to Camborne, which was granted in 2021. This funding has helped turn an underused Grade II listed building into a vibrant community facility.”

Phase one of the hub’s development was completed in July 2023, unveiling a creative co-working space, community crafts library, and exhibition area. Now, with the pottery studio complete, visitors are already seeing the benefits of the newly opened facility.

Looking Ahead: The Final Phase

The third and final phase of the Create Contemporary Crafts Hub’s transformation will focus on renovating the glass and jewellery studio, building a new jewellery space, and restoring the building’s historic façade.

Cornwall Council, which oversees the Camborne Town Deal board’s governance, continues to support this project. Councillor Louis Gardner, Portfolio Holder for Economy at Cornwall Council, shared his excitement about the progress made so far.

“The new ceramics studio is a valuable addition to Camborne’s offer,” said Louis. “This welcoming space gives people of all abilities a place to explore their creative talents.”

For more details, visit Create CIC and Camborne Town Deal.

Photo: Guests at the opening of the new Create Contemporary Crafts Hub studio.