Moorlands Knit Network call-out

OUTSIDE is looking for an artist/knitter to co-ordinate and promote collaborative knitting activities across the Moorlands!

Context:

Our ambition is to bring together local knitting groups, suppliers and people who are interested in learning to knit, across the Moorlands to connect, collaborate, and grow together. There are many talented and active knitting groups in the area and this project aims to bring together both long-established and emerging knitters to share skills, ideas, and resources.

Knitting is often undervalued as a high-quality art form due to historical and societal perceptions, particularly of crafts associated with women. We want to celebrate local knitters and encourage more people to benefit from the numerous benefits of knitting.

The Opportunity:

To bring together knitters for collective creativity and innovation, including large-scale joint projects, skill-sharing workshops, yarn-swap events, and more. We would especially like to focus on inclusion across generations and abilities, offering both in-person and remote engagement opportunities. The initiative also seeks to reduce waste by encouraging sustainable practices like yarn sharing and reusing materials. We are imagining:

· Monthly meetups

· Workshops and training sessions

· A mentorship and buddying scheme to support new knitters

· Yarn swap events to reduce waste and promote sustainability

· New knitting groups in schools, care homes, businesses etc..

· Collaborative projects

Utilising the Longest Yarn II exhibition taking place at Tean as an event to come together for, see HERE.

Impacts:

· Reduced social isolation

· Improved wellbeing

· Pride of place

· Sustainability

· Economic benefit

· Cultural inclusion

Artist/Knitter Criteria:

– Based in, or with a strong connection to the Staffordshire Moorlands

– An experienced knitter

– Will have strong facilitation and project management skills including previous experience of co-creation and community engagement.

– Will be an active listener, have a passion for inclusion and a confidence to reach out to existing and new groups and individuals to encourage collaboration

– Will be ambitious to reimagine how we perceive and value knitting

– Experience should demonstrate strong verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with people at all levels

– Willingness to work evenings and weekends if necessary

Who is the project for?

· Local knitting groups (existing and newly formed)

· Isolated individuals and those seeking social connection

· Young people interested in learning traditional crafts

· Elderly or disabled residents who may engage from home

· Local charities, care homes, schools, and businesses

· General public as audiences

If this role isn’t for you but you would like to be a part of the project you can also get in touch via hello@outsidearts.org and we will make sure you are invited to the first get together.

Timelines:

Call-out to artists: 6th August 2025

Deadline for applications: 29th August 2025

Artist appointed by: 5th September 2025

Work to take place between September 2025 and end December 2025

The Fee:

£1250 – approx. 5-6 days, to be spread out across September 1- December to suit the project requirements.

To apply please submit a cv and covering letter (addressing how you meet the artist criteria) by email to hello@outsidearts.org by 5pm on 29th August 2025

For any questions, enquiries or support, please email hello@outsidearts.org with the subject line ‘Moorlands Knit Network’.

DEADLINE: 5pm on 29th August 2025

About OUTSIDE

OUTSIDE is a consortium led Creative People & Places Project for the Staffordshire Moorlands. Our purpose is to ensure more people are experiencing and inspired by arts and culture. OUTSIDE is working with residents from across the Staffordshire Moorlands to enrich lives through storytelling which celebrates local people, culture and places.