An artist-led creative community space has found a new home in Lit Bar, behind The Ferret.
October Salon has relocated for January and February following its launch at Snapes Printworks in the city centre in October, when the historic building was filled with arts and culture as Preston’s independent creatives came together to make an inclusive, accessible space.
At Lit Bar – formerly The Bitter Suite – the space now offers a kettle with coffee and tea on a donation basis, soft seating, a record player, a large work table, chairs, a projector, and a library of books, zines, research papers and essays.
Bernie Velvick and Hans Browne are caretaking the space until the October Salon group is established and roles can be shared out. They plan to host a programme of events, with ideas including film screenings, album launches, poetry readings, presentations and symposiums.
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For now, meet ups are planned each Sunday afternoon before Christmas.
Sunday 7 December 2pm-4pm: Pitch Us!
Anyone with an idea for using the space is invited to this planning meeting. It’s also a chance to learn about volunteering at October Salon. The volunteer role is part invigilator, part tea-maker, part librarian, part practitioner, part caretaker to unlock, set up, clear up after session and lock up.
Sunday 14 December 2pm-4pm: Christmas Jacob’s Join
Attendees are invited to bring one portion of food – anything from a packet of crisps to something more fancy – though no one will be turned away for arriving empty-handed. The events aims to bring festive cheer to the arts community and offer a chance to reflect on the past year while meeting fellow local creatives.
Sunday 21 December: Exhibition trip to Manchester
Join the group on the 11:07 train from Preston to Manchester and visit HOME and esea contemporary. Everyone is welcome to join the trip or visit whichever galleries appeal for a pre-festive dose of art and culture.
To find out more, email Bernie at b.velvick@yahoo.com, call, text or WhatsApp Hans at 07915 271531, or message @october_salon on Instagram.
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