Age UK Pop-up Craft Shop
30th July 2011
We Create* ran its charity Pop-up Craft Shop project with Age UK in Wolverhampton.
The project set-up and ran a pop-up shop retailing bits n bobs created by local craft-based groups around the area to raise awareness and funds for Age UK and to support the groups.
We Create* hopes that the project can form a basis to run two local seasonal pop-up shops that can allow the groups to come together to create craft-based items to retail as a fundraising activity to allow participants to buy materials for future activities.
We Create* sees the project as an opportunity for Age UK to use craft-based and creative groups to help raise funds for the organisation on a national basis by using its UK network of 400+ charity shops to retail the items. As well as opportunities to retail seasonal items through youthful high street retailers and year round on online craft-based websites.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Age UK Project
30th December 2010
We Create* is running a project with Age UK in Wolverhampton.
The project is to set-up and run a pop-up shop retailing bits n bobs created by craft-based groups around the area to raise awareness and funds to support the groups.
The pop-up shop also aims to run a number of intergenerational workshops where young people can learn traditional craft-based skills from people connected to the project.
We Create* hopes that the project can form a basis to run two local seasonal pop-up shops that can allow groups to come together to create craft-based items to retail as well as a fundraising activity to allow participants to buy materials for future activities.
We Create* also sees the project as an opportunity for Age UK to use craft-based and creative groups to help raise funds for the organisation on a national basis by using its UK network of 400+ charity shops to retail the items. As well as opportunities to retail seasonal items through youthful high street retailers and online.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Birmingham Zine Festival...PARTY!
12th September 2010
The first annual Birmingham Zine Festival was held on the 10th-12th September.
We Create* has a little stall in the Victoria on Saturday 11th showcasing designs developed by local young designers and we also ran a pin badge making stall and workshop...PARTY!
We Create* met lots of great illustrators, ziners, and zine appreciationist - the bestest Manchester-based Good Grief Shop suppling the areas with lots of zine goodness and the world on its online shop.
We can't wait for Birmingham Zine Festival part-two next year.
Birmingham Zine Festival Information
Website www.BirminghamZineFestival.com
Twitter twitter.com/birmzinefest
Email birminghamzinefestival@gmail.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=104056762967490
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Utilising Empty Shops
10th September 2010
We Create* is featured in the Wolverhampton City Centre Company enterprising ways to use empty shops Best Practice Guide...PARTY!
The Empty Shops Revival Plan initiative helped the city reduce the total number of empty units in the centre and surrounding areas - more information.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Rich invited to become Fellow of the RSA
5th September 2010
Rich from We Create* has been invited to become a Fellow of the RSA...PARTY!
The Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce (RSA). For over 250 years the RSA has been a cradle of enlightenment thinking and a force for social progress.
The RSA's approach is multi-disciplinary, politically independent, and combines cutting edge research and policy development with practical action to support its 27,000 fellows to help change the world.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Birmingham Zine Festival...poster PARTY!
1st September 2010
The first annual Birmingham Zine Festival is going to be held on the 10th-12th September.
We Create* has a little stall in the Victoria on Saturday 11th - to retail designs developed by local young designers and run a pin badge making stall and workshop...PARTY!
We spotted the latest addition to publicity material for the event - a fold out information sheet and poster...zinetastic!
The illustrations and poster for the Birmingham Zine Festival is done by James Nash - BLOG and Atta Girl
For More Information
Website www.BirminghamZineFestival.com
Twitter twitter.com/birmzinefest
Email birminghamzinefestival@gmail.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=104056762967490
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Stirchley Happenings Community Market
24th August 2010
Stirchley Happening - a little community group in that area of Birmingham has started a community market for local people and young designers to sell products, produce, and designs in the car park of Stirchley United Working Mens Club...PARTY!
The Stirchley Community Market is held the last Tuesday of the month 4-8pm.
We Create* went up, down, sideways?...to check it out and see a fellow social entrepreneur selling cup cakes - yum PARTY!
Frost and Snow Cup Cakes is a homeless cup cake bakery training individuals in support accommodation around Birmingham interested in baking, icing, and yummy treaty goodness!
We Create* highly recommends the coconut cup cakes...yum!
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Are One Today - PARTY!
1st August 2010
We Create* is one year old today - PARTY!
It was 365 days since we started the first project by opening a We Create* pop-up shop in Birmingham to retail designs developed by local young up-and-coming designers.
Since then we've run another pop-up shop and design studio in Wolverhampton, 12 pop-up stalls, swap shop event and a series of creative workshops for young people in the local community interested in fashion and design.
We are in the process of compiling the first We Create* Annual Report highlighting the projects achievements as well as future up-and-coming projects for 2010/11.
We Create* Annual Report to follow - PARTY!
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Rich talk for Prince's Trust
26th July 2010
Rich from We Create* gave a talk up at the Custard Factory in Birmingham for the Prince's Trust at an enterprise event as part of his role as a Young Business Ambassador.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
DRAWN Pop-up Stall
2nd July 2010
We Create* is participated in DRAWN - PARTY!
The event showcased young up-and-coming artists around Wolverhampton on Friday 2nd July 7-11pm at Newhampton Arts Centre - MAP.
There was guest DJs, a students bar, and stalls selling handmade products by local designer makers - all for a £2 entrance.
We Create* ran a pop-up stall along with Cut-Out.
See the DRAWN Facebook Event Page for more details.
DRAWN are looking to run another event around Christmas to showcased young up-and-coming artists around Wolverhampton.
You can email event organiser Megan Hopkins megs_hopkins@hotmail.co.uk for more information.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* Out and About
26th June 2010
We Create* out and about around Wolverhampton - summer sunshine PARTY!
Photographer Liam Perkins
Flickr www.flickr.com/liamperkins
Email liam_perkins@live.co.uk
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
City Style Wolves Fashion Show
22nd June 2010
We Create* City Style Wolves fashion show with Any Broken Nerd, Let The Kids Dance, VAGRANT, Ashley Marc Hovelle, and Cut-Out.
Models were participants from a city wide 'grassroot' collaborative voluntary youth organisation based in Wolverhampton - EYES.
Photographer Liam Perkins
Flickr www.flickr.com/liamperkins
Email liam_perkins@live.co.uk
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* Workshops
15th June 2010
We Create* has been running a series of seven creative re-new recycling and up-cycling workshops above its shop in Wolverhampton in
Jewellery Making - costume and felt
Stenciling - creating stencils for spray and print
Basket Weaving - making baskets from newspaper
Rag Rugging - making rugs by recycling cotton garments
Pin Badge Making - 25mm, 38mm, and 58mm
Clock Making - making clocks from vinyl records
Printing - screen printing and cut vinyl
For more information email workshops@wecreate.org.uk
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* in KRASH Magazine
10th June 2010
We Create* and its shop is featured in this months KRASH magazine - a Wolverhampton City Council Young People's Services youth publication for 13-25 year olds about what's going on in Wolverhampton.
6000 copies an issue of the magazine get distributed around Wolverhampton to youth groups and clubs, libraries, schools, colleges, and the university.
Stories in KRASH are written by young people in Wolverhampton or written based on interviews with young people - young people also photograph for, design, and help edited the magazine.
Any young person in Wolverhampton who has a story to tell can be featured in KRASH and the magazine is always looking for new writers, new photographers, and artists. Contributors need to be linked to Wolverhampton; from there, born there, living, or studying there and between 13-25 years old.
You can download issue of the magazine on the KRASH website and the site also features other material which can't be put in the magazine like videos, animation, and music created by local young people.
For more information contact KRASH
Email info@krash.org.uk
TXT CYP and your message to 60006
Phone (01902) 552 456
Mail
KRASH Magazine
c/o Children and Young People
Civic Centre
St. Peters Square
Wolverhampton.
WV1 1RR
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Rich in City Centre Matters
1st June 2010
Rich and the We Create* shop was feature in the Wolverhampton City Centre Company summer newsletter issue six that's distributed to the public and retailers in the city centre.
The article reads
Enterprising Ways of Using Shops
As part of the Department of Communities and Local Government 'Empty Shops' initiative, WCCC worked with social entreprenuer Richard Leighton to set up an inspiring shop.
We Create* in Victoria Street offers young designers a taste of commercial experience in retailing and access to a design studio with commercial equipment and facilities.
The DCLG grant helped with the property costs and any surplus capital from the retail operation is invested by Richard in running free fashion-based support service and workshops around fashion design, production, and promotion, and retail. Visit the shop at 42 Victoria Street or www.wecreate.org.uk
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* Swap Shop Event
24th May 2010
The We Create* shop will be closing in Wolverhampton at the end of June, so we want to make this period a memorable experience to you all. We would like to invite you to a series of workshops and a clothing swap shop event.
It is going to be a space for open-minded, creative and enivironmentally conscious people to meet, make friends and have lots of fun! Find the event on Facebook.
The Swap Shop will take place on Saturday, 29 May 2010, 1pm - 4pm. The shop is located at 42 Victoria Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 3PJ. Here is where we are located on googlemaps.
The Swap Shop is an absolutely FREE event, to which everyone interested in refreshing their wardrobe is welcome. Bring and invite your friends!
Rules:
Take a bit of time to purge your wardrobe prior to our event. Unused stuff clutters your life. Make space for new-to-you pieces that you actually WILL wear.
Swappable items include quality wardrobe items that you'd typically donate. Items must be:
1. New, nearly new (worn only once or twice) or gently used (worn, but still in very good condition);
2. Clean (freshly laundered and pressed);
3. You can bring: coats, dresses, skirts, suits, trousers, jeans, tops, blouses, sweaters, tee-shirts, work-out wear, costumes, shoes, purses, jewellery, belts, hats, watches;
4. Bring as many items as you want and take as many as you like!
5. DO NOT bring dirty or damaged clothes;
6. Unclaimed items will be donated to various charity shops in the area and re-used during our series of workshops (see another leaflets, posters and zine available at We Create shop).
Why bother?
1. Promote ecological lifestyle in accordance with the 3R rule
2. Don't shop - swap! Why spending money when you can get new clothes for free?
3. Meet new people, relax, have fun and tidy your wardrobe as you always wanted!
FREE TEA, BEER and FOOD!!!!
Live music by DJ RICH :) OUT OF STEP!!!! Can it get any better? :D :D :D
Please check out their awesome blog: http://outofstepalchemy.blogspot.com/
Look out for the limited edition posters/flyers/zines
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Swap Shop and Re-New Workshops
20th May 2010
We Create* has been busy developing flyers, posters, and zines to promote the series of re-new events and workshops it's running from the 29th May - 27th June.
We Create* is running a swap shop and PARTY and re-cycling and up-cycling workshops called Re-New in jewellery making, stenciling, rag rugging, basket weaving, clock making, pin badge making, printing!
For more information email workshops@wecreate.org.uk
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
BBC Blast Your Label Competition
10th May 2010
We Create* has been contacted by the BBC to help promote its BBC Blast 'Your Label' Fashion competition for 13-19 year olds.
Win a chance to showcase your own designs during London Fashion Week
BBC Blast in partnership with the V&A
To win a chance to showcase your own designs at London Fashion Week with BBC Blast watch the embeddable call to action film with Fashion Designer Mark Fast:
Using the V&A on-line collections as inspiration, design your own fashion collection to enter our competition. Winning designers will win fashion masterclasses from industry pros to help them create their collection for the catwalk during London Fashion Week.
Either as an individual or in groups of up to 6 have a look at the "Ceramics", "Japanese" or "Medieval and Renaissance" collections from the V&A. Pick one collection to use as inspiration to create your collection design. Your entry must consist of:
• a moodboard.
• a concept statement.
• a capsule collection of 3 outfit designs.
Entries will be judged on the following criteria:
• Originality and creative flair;
• How you use the V&A collection to inspire the designs;
• How well your designs work together as a collection; and
• The creative thought process in your explanation.
Upload your moodboard, statement and designs to the BBC Blast Website tagged "your_label_comp" or post your entry to Blast Your Label, MC3D3 Media Centre, Wood Lane, London W12 7TQ to arrive before the deadline or email your entry to blast@bbc.co.uk
A judging panel including fashion experts will select the up to 10 winning collections.
The Prize
The designers of the winning entries will win masterclasses with fashion industry professionals and exclusive mentoring to create their collections for catwalk showcase during London Fashion Week.
For more information
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/yourlabel
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
OUT OF STEP Zine Issue Three in-store
1st May 2010
The We Create* shop in Wolves is distributing the FREE OUT OF STEP Zine Issue Three and CD designed and developed by Wolverhampton based creative Richard Cartwright.
OUT OF STEP has a D.I.Y ethic making things like FREE Zine's and CD's and limited runs of Tape Cassette's - all hand printed.
OUT OF STEP also run a self-titled monthly club night in Alchemy Bar in Wolverhampton city centre. They showcase the heard and the unheard the last Monday of each month with live rock n roll bands from around the United Kingdom and alternative, electronica, shoegaze, and punk music.
OUT OF STEP also runs the concept in Birmingham with a club night the first Thursday of each month at Island Bar.
If you want to get involved i.e poster's, playing, or you want to Dj then feel free to drop Richard an email - richard.cartwright@live.co.uk.
OUT OF STEP are also happy to DJ for another night or party.
OUT OF STEP Zine Issue Three in-store now!
OUT OF STEP Facebook Group
OUT OF STEP BLOG http://weareoutofstep.blogspot.com/
The BLOG is an outlet on all the things OUT OF STEP likes.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
AMH on Topman.com
20th April 2010
A We Create* supported label Ashely Marc Hovelle (AMH) is for sale on Topman.com - launched on the 30th March.
AMH also got a mention on the Topman BLOG
The tees and hooded tops are also available in the We Create* shop on Victoria Street in Wolverhampton city centre - WV! 3PJ. Tees are price £25 and hooded top £40 in the We Create* shop.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
A Vision to Remember
15th April 2010
We Create* and its fashion designers are participating in the A Vision to Remember event.
A Vision to Remember is a charity fashion show that is to be held on the 17th may 2010, at Bar Risa, Broad Street, Birmingham in aid of the Vision Charity.
The Vision Charity raises money through offering outstanding events. The charity was incorporated in 1977, since then it has obtained a board of trustees and patrons. With the money that is raised the Vision charity allocates the funds to their range of beneficiaries, ultimately the Vision Charity aims to offer outstanding events and ensure funds are shared wisely.
The event is being held in order to raise money that shall go to one of the Vision Charity's beneficiaries that is the local Queen Alexandra College in Birmingham. The money raised on the night will go towards helping those who are blind or visually impaired in terms of new equipment to aid studying at the college.
The event will consist of a charity fashion show that will showcase local fashion design talent from the West Midlands. This gives the local designers a chance to show their work at a well known venue, in central Birmingham and hopefully give the designers a platform to get their work seen and appreciated by a wider audience.
Also, the event is lucky enough to have the vocal styling of Eilidh Forster, along side Maddison's Dance Academy who will be performing on the night who will be entertaining and setting the mood for the audience!
A Vision to Remember are looking for various volunteers to help out at the event which include:
Volunteers - unpaid workers to help out backstage and front of house at the event.
Models - both male and female models who are able to showcase the designers collections in the desired way.
Designers - local designer's that would like to show their collection at the show.
Stylists - those who are able to work under pressure backstage at the event, to aid the models and designers to get them prepared for the show.
Make-up/Hair Stylists - talented individuals that would like the opportunity to create the hair and makeup styling at the event.
If you would like to help out at the A Vision to Remember event please contact - Annie_marston@hotmail.com
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Magpie Collection in the We Create Shop
7th April 2010
We Create* have a new range of handmade jewellery, created by local designer/maker Natalie Baxter, who runs Magpie Collection.
Something for the Weekend!
Magpie Collection has a range of costume pieces, which have been lovingly made with attention to detail. You just want to eat these Lollipop, Cupcake and Doughnut Necklaces and Earrings!
Magpie Collection is handmade by Natalie Baxter
Natalie is currently studying at the School of Jewellery in the Jewellery Quarter as a designer/maker and aims to make bespoke silver jewellery for commissions.
Visit Magpie Collection for unique costume jewellery designs and bespoke silver jewellery. Natalie is currently making a Silver Lace Collection using lace, which is printed on to silver, with freshwater pearls set in accent positions to add a little elegance and intrigue!
To contact Natalie Baxter at Magpie Collection send an email to info@magpiecollection.co.uk.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Lib Dems Leaders meet Rich from We Create*
5th April 2010
The Liberal Democrats leaders Nick Clegg and Vince Cable were lucky enough to meet Rich at a Prince's Trust event at the Moseley Exchange, in Birmingham, on the run up to the 2010 General Election.
They had a great time meeting one of the country's leading young social entrepreneurs - PARTY!
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
OUT OF STEP Zine Issue Two in-store
1st April 2010
The We Create* shop in Wolverhampton is distributing the FREE OUT OF STEP Zine and CD Issue Two designed and developed by Wolverhampton based creative Richard Cartwright.
Issue Two includes an article on We Create* and the shop in Wolverhampton.
OUT OF STEP has a D.I.Y ethic making things like FREE Zine's and CD's and limited runs of Tape Cassette's - all hand printed.
OUT OF STEP also run a self-titled monthly club night in Alchemy Bar in Wolverhampton city centre. They showcase the heard and the unheard the last Monday of each month with live rock n roll bands from around the United Kingdom and alternative, electronica, shoegaze, and punk music.
OUT OF STEP also runs the concept in Birmingham with a club night the first Thursday of each month at Island Bar.
If you want to get involved i.e poster's, playing, or you want to Dj then feel free to drop Richard an email - richard.cartwright@live.co.uk.
OUT OF STEP are also happy to DJ for another night or party.
OUT OF STEP Zine Issue Two in-store now!
We Create* article
OUT OF STEP Facebook http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#!/pages/Wolverhampton-United-Kingdom/OUT-OF-STEP/117219652352?ref=ts
OUT OF STEP BLOG http://outofstepalchemy.blogspot.com/
The BLOG is an outlet on all the things OUT OF STEP likes.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Big Brum Charity Catwalk (BBCC)
15th March 2010
We Create* and its fashion designers and young creatives are participating in the Big Brum Charity Catwalk (BBCC) event.
The BBCC event is based in Birmingham Conservatoire (B3 3HG) on Sunday 2nd May 2010. The May Bank Holiday Weekend event is in aid of raising funds for Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
The BBCC event opens its doors at 1pm for the fashion, hair, and beauty fair in the main hall with the Catwalk show 6.30-9.30pm. The catwalk show showcases local up and comming fashion designers as well as clothing from local boutiques and shops. The BBCC event will also include local live acts and performers and a charity auction and raffle. Places are limited.
Big Brum Charity Catwalk is looking for a range of young volunteers to help with the event - additional BBCC information and contacts below
BBCC WANT
Film Crew - to help document the BBCC Event (inc. Behind-the-Scenes leading up to the actual event), fantastic opportunity for portfolio/ personal challenge. Must be committed and reliable, have own equipment, able to edit to deadlines and travel to Birmingham City Centre. To start ASAP.
Photographers - to help document the BBCC Event (inc. Behind-the-Scenes leading up to the actual event), fantastic opportunity for portfolio/ personal challenge. Must be committed and reliable, have own equipment and travel to Birmingham City Centre. To start ASAP.
Fashion Designers - A chance to showcase your own collection on the catwalk. Email us with examples of your collection, headshot photo, CV + connection to the Midlands. Must be committed and reliable. To start ASAP.
Models - Send a) headshot, b) full body photo and c) measurements to thebigbrumcharitycatwalk@hotmail.co.uk . Male & Female models welcome - 18+ only. Must be committed and reliable. FINAL CASTINGS ON: Fri 19/3/2010, 6.30pm-8pm @ Penthouse Club (Chinatown)
Catwalk Producer/Manager - To produce the show and liaising with designers and models to prep for the event. Ideal for those who have produced End-of-Year Grad Shows/ personal challenge. Must be committed, reliable and organised with good managerial skills. To start ASAP.
Stylists x 6 - Fancy yourself as the next Gok Wan? Wanted for the 'What's Hot, What's Not' area in Fashion Hall, to advise the public on the day of the event. Must be committed and reliable.
Email thebigbrumcharitycatwalk@hotmail.co.uk
Website www.BigBrumCharityCatwalk.com
The Big Brum Charity Catwalk is about a multicultural and vibrant Birmingham - they want to capture the essence of Birmingham and is the first annual charity catwalk event. BBCC want do something good and to give back to local community. For BBCC's debut show, they are raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital - 'The Red Balloon Appeal’ (Registered Charity Number: 1074850).
Everyone involved in producing and participating in the BBCC show will be unpaid volunteers.
BBCC say
It’s going to a MASSIVE charity event taking place on Bank Holiday Sunday 2nd May, at the Birmingham Conservatoire (next to Central Library) from midday until 9.30pm in the evening.
The fundraiser is all in aid of the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and it’s a lot do with putting a spotlight on a multicultural and vibrant Birmingham.
On the day, you’ll be entertained with showgirls, pampered at the Beauty Hall and treating yourself to a spot of retail therapy at the Fashion Hall. Here fashion stylists can advise you on What’s Hot & What’s Not this season…We’re even thinking about a Wardrobe Swap Shop so watch this space. To top it all off, there will be Fashion Catwalk & Auction from 6.30pm onwards. There are limited places available for this- tickets will be available at Bar Risa (Broad St) in April.
And if fashion isn’t your bag- there’ll also be a Jobs Fair to help those seeking employment or get advice. Aside from the Catwalk show, all areas are free entry to the public.
As the second largest city - Birmingham seems to lack a lot of the creative opportunities that other cities hold - especially for young people. Here we’re creating our own opportunity in this event - supporting students, young graduates, local businesses and the local community, whilst fundraising for a fantastic local charity- the BCH.
It’s not just fashion designers and models that we’re after …
*Corporate sponsorships for companies are available
*Local boutiques can showcase their collections on the Catwalk
*Traders are wanted for both the Fashion & Beauty Halls
* Local employers can also take a stand at the Jobs Fair
This all-day event will help bring the local community and local businesses together- everyone involved in participating and producing the show are unpaid volunteers pooling their skills together for a worthy cause.
Get in touch with us - our website is: www.BigBrumCharityCatwalk.com – we’re also on Facebook and Twitter.
Email: thebigbrumcharitycatwalk@hotmail.co.uk
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Brum Notes in the We Create* shop
15th March 2010
FREE Birmingham-based music magazine Brum Notes is available in the We Create* shop on Victoria Street Wolverhampton - WV1 3PJ.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
studio spave available HERE
5th March 2010
We Create* has a design studio above its shop in Wolverhampton for local young designers, illustrators, and creatives to use.
Places are limited and space in the design studio is available from £20PCM - desk space, computers, internet, and room to develop designs for retail/run fashion and design-based businesses.
We Create*, 42 Victoria Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 3PJ.
Open Wednesday-Saturday 10-6
Contact information and images below
Email rich@WeCreate.org.uk
Call 01902 399 744
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Printwear and Promotion NEC
1st March 2010
We Create* went to the Printwear and Promotion tradeshow held in the NEC Birmingham.
The anuual event was celebrating its 21st anniversary and was held in the NEC from Sunday 28th February to Tuesday 2nd March 10am-5pm in Hall 12. The event attracts around 4000 vistors a year with 100+ stalls.
Printwear & Promotion is one of the best events in the United Kingdom for the decorated garment industry bringing together suppliers and distributors of promotional products such as tees, totes, and hooded tops.
The event attracts all the main suppliers and distributors in the industry nationwide and We Create* see it as a great way for young designers to see new and existing products in the market and find the best local suppliers.
We Create* at Print and Promotion
We Create* highlights were Andy ridng in the BTC car and meeting the loverly guy and girls at Wicked Printing Stuff.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
OUT OF STEP Zine in-store
1st March 2010
We Create* is distributing the FREE OUT OF STEP Zine and CD designed and developed by Wolverhampton based creative Richard Cartwright.
OUT OF STEP has a D.I.Y ethic making things like FREE Zine's and CD's and limited runs of Tape Cassette's - all hand printed.
OUT OF STEP also run a self-titled monthly club night in Alchemy Bar in Wolverhampton city centre. They showcase the heard and the unheard the last Monday of each month with live rock n roll bands from around the United Kingdom and alternative, electronica, shoegaze, and punk music.
OUT OF STEP also runs the concept in Birmingham with a club night the first Thursday of each month at Island Bar.
If you want to get involved i.e poster's, playing, or you want to Dj then feel free to drop Richard an email - richard.cartwright@live.co.uk. OUT OF STEP are also happy to DJ for another night or party.
OUT OF STEP Zine in-store
OUT OF STEP Facebook http://www.facebook.com/reqs.php#!/pages/Wolverhampton-United-Kingdom/OUT-OF-STEP/117219652352?ref=ts
OUT OF STEP BLOG http://outofstepalchemy.blogspot.com/
The BLOG is an outlet on all the things OUT OF STEP likes.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* Posters and Flyers
1st March 2010
We Create* has designed some flyers and posters to help promote the new shop and design studio in Wolverhampton city centre on Victoria Street - MAP
The flyers and posters were printed by the awesome peoples at Awesome Merchandise!
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Volte Gallery Wolverhampton
25th February 2010
We Create* visited art gallery Volte based in the disused lower-level platform of Wolverhampton train station run by Antoinette Allyne.
It's fantastico - PARTY!
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Wolverhampton rated worst city in UK for Empty Shops
20th February 2010
The new home of We Create* - Wolverhampton...has been rated the worst city in the United Kingdom for Empty shops. The report said 120+ shop in Wolverhampton are empty - around 24%.
We Create* aims to help and support local young designers, illutrators, and creative until they can indepenedently begin to re-popoulate the empty highstreets.
Press: BBC / Guardian / Daily Mail / Express and Star / Birmingham Post
We Create* on BBC and ITV report on Wolverhampton's Empty Shops
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* Wolverhampton OPEN
17th February 2010
We Create* Wolverhampton opened Wednesday 17th February - PARTY!
The unit retails designs developed by local young designers, illustrators, and creatives and offers participants access to a design studio above the shop to develop designs for retail and run fashion and design-based businesses.
The design studio also allows We Create* to run projects/workshops/courses in partnership with other Social Enterprises, Charities, Community Groups, and organisation to help young people in the local community from disadvantaged and socially excluded background interested in fashion and design.
New local young designers, illustrators, creatives, and CUSTOMERS required!
Address 42 Victoria Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 3PJ.
Telephone 01902 399 744
Open Wednesday-Saturday 10-6
We Create* can now also print T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hooded tops from £10 in-store while you wait and pin badges from 50p - discounts available on bulk orders. For more information email andy@WeCreate.org.uk
The We Create* shop stocks West Midlands-based labels VAGRANT, Mouldy Loaf, Cut-Out, OFTM, Huk, Soapbox, Choochie Choo, Ashley Marc Hovelle (AMH), and Let The Kids Dance (LTKD)
More images on the We Create* Facebook Page photos section http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?v=photos&gid=64776758034
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* on ITV and BBC
15th February 2010
We Create* was feature on the ITV and BBC local news programmes Central News and Midlands Today as part of the report about Wolverhampton topping a list of cities with the highest amount of empty shop in the United Kingdom with 23.9% / 130 shops empty.
The ITV and BBC reports were broadcast three times - lunch time 12-1 / dinner time 6-7 / and in the evening 10-11.
We Create* on ITV Central News
We Create* on BBC Midlands Today
We Create* TV http://www.youtube.com/wecreatevideo
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Craftspace Collective
30th January 2010
We Create* participated in a one-day Craftspace event aimed at developing a Birmingham-based Craft Collective for young people aged 16-19. The event was supported by the Arts Council, Creative Future, and Birmingham City Council.
The Craftspace Collective event was on Saturday 23rd January between 12-6pm in the Vaad Gallery by the lake at the Custard Factory in Digbeth - Birmingham. MAP!
We Create* run a pop-up shop to retail designs developed by local young fashion designers and illustrators. Visitors to the shop and participants of the event also used We Create*'s badge making machines on the day to make pin badges 100+.
Participants of the Craftspace Collective event took part in an array of craft-based and creative activities like Yarn Storming, making DIY Instruments, and creating Graffiti - made of sweets! The 100+ visitors and participants also took a break from the activities to create their own food.
More Information http://CraftspaceCollective.Wordpress.com
Email info@craftspace.co.uk
Call 0121 608 6668
Craftspace Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Craftspace/32284891418
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* Wolverhampton Set-up
25th January 2010
We Create* spent 4-weeks working vv.hard to set-up the new shop and design studio in Wolverhampton.
The shop and design studio was set-up under the Government's 'Empty Shops Revival Plan' iniciative with the help and support of Wolverhampton City Centre Company, Wolverhampton City Council, the Department of Communities and Local Government, and Hortons Estates.
We Create* generated £20 000+ in-kind help and support to secure and set-up the new shop and incubation space and £5000+ funding. We Create* managed to beg, steal, and borrow a range of fixtures, fittings, equipment, and facilites from rolling cages, pallets, counters, peg board, to fire extingishers in 6months.
The new shop and design studio allows We Create* to scale-up its initial Birmingham retail opperation 3-4 times the size and add the design space facility to help and support more local young designers, illustrators, and creatives.
The design studio allows local young designers, illustrators, and creaties to develop designs for retail and run fashion and design-based businesses. The design studio also allows We Create* to run projects/workshops/courses in partnership with other Social Enterprises, Charities, Community Groups, and organisation to help young people in the local community from disadvantaged and socially excluded background interested in fashion and design.
We Create* set-up images below of the shop and design studio located in Wolverhampton city centre on Victoria Street.
More images on the We Create* Facebook Page photos section http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/group.php?v=photos&gid=64776758034
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Craftspace Collective Event
5th January 2010
We Create* is participating in a one-day Craftspace event aimed at developing a Birmingham-based Craft Collective for young people aged 16-19. The event is supported by the Arts Council, Creative Future, and Birmingham City Council.
The Craftspace Collective event is on Saturday 23rd January between 12-6pm in the Vaad Gallery by the lake at the Custard Factory in Digbeth - Birmingham. MAP!
We Create* is running a pop-up shop to retail designs developed by local young fashion designers and illustrators. Visitors to the shop and participants of the event can also use We Create*'s badge making machines on the day to make pin badges.
Participants of the Craftspace Collective event can take part in an array of craft-based and creative activities like Yarn Storming, making DIY Instruments, and creating Graffiti - made of sweets! You can also take a break from activities to create your own food.
More Information http://CraftspaceCollective.Wordpress.com
Email info@craftspace.co.uk
Call 0121 608 6668
Facebook Event Page
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=280548566170&ref=share
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Wolverhampton Voted fifth Worst City in the World
31st December 2009
The new home of We Create*... Wolverhampton - has been voted the 5th worst city in the World by Lonely Planet.
We Create* likes a challenge knowing that if they can make the project work here there's only four places in the world it can't - Detroit in the US of A was voted the worst city, followed by Accra in Ghana, Seoul in South Korea, and Los Angeles, US of A.
Press: BBC / Telegraph / Daily Mail / Express and Star / Birmingham Post
We Create* view of the 5th worst city in the world - PARTY!
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Relocation Relocation Relocation
15th December 2009
We Create* is opening a new and improved shop in Wolerhampton, on Victoria Street, in February 2010.
The shop will retail designs developed by local young designs and illustrators and also offer participants access to a design studio with commercial equipment and facilities.
The design studio will also be used to run workshops and projects, in partnership with other Social Enterprises, Charities, and Community Groups, for young people in the local community interested in fashion and design.
The empty shop was granted to We Create* off Wolverhampton City Council under the Government's 'Empty Shops Revival Plan' thanks to the help and support of Wolverhampton City Centre Company.
We Create* is receiving £1500 funding from the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to help run the shop for six months - PARTY!
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* Trademark Registration
15th November 2009
We Create* Trademark registration and certificate confirmed - PARTY!
A registration for We Create* with the Intellectual Property Office Trademarks Devision was submitted in around July in Class 25 (clothing, footwear, headgear), and Class 41 (education, providing of training, entertainment, sporting and cultural activities, on-line entertainment, the provision of on-line electronic publication) and registration confirmed in Novemer.
The application cost £250 and the process was straight forward with staff at the Intellectual Property Office helpful with initial examination. The tricky part of the process was finding the Trademark Application Form on the Intellectual Property website - download HERE.
You'll also need the Trademark Classifications Class 1 - 45 category breakdown to assess the Class you want the mark to be registered in - £200 registration for one classification and £50 per additional classification.
Also tricky finding the search area for trademarks on the IPO website.
We Create* is registered - PARTY!
Many Thanks and Kind Regard
We Create*
VAGRANT Trademark Registration
1st November 2009
VAGRANT Trademark registration and certificate confirmed - PARTY!
A registration for VAGRANT with the Intellectual Property Office Trademarks Devision was submitted in around June in Class 18 (bags), Class 25 (clothing, footwear, headgear), and Class 26 (badges for wear) and registration confirmed in October.
The application cost £300 and the process was straight forward with staff at the Intellectual Property Office helpful with initial examination. The tricky part of the process was finding the Trademark Application Form on the Intellectual Property website - download HERE.
You'll also need the Trademark Classifications Class 1 - 45 category breakdown to assess the Class you want the mark to be registered in - £200 registration for one classification and £50 per additional classification.
Also tricky finding the search area for trademarks on the IPO website.
We Create* and the Homeless are registered - PARTY!
Many Thanks and Kind Regard
We Create*
NEW Cut Out Tees in the We Create* Shop
25th October 2009
Rich tries on the NEW Cut-Out Tees in the We Create* shop Birmingham in The Oasis on Corporation Street for size!
Three NEW Cut Out Tees available £20 each - illustrated by Lee Nutland, Camelia Dobrin, and Joseph Williams.
All hand printed by Cut-Out on American Apparel Tees - PARTY!
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
NEW Illustrators in the We Create* Shop
15th October 2009
Two NEW illustrators join the We Create* shop in The Oasis - Birmingham.
Alis Pelleschi - Bambified. For sale a range of individually unique handmade Greetings Cards £3 and Photographic Images £15.
Daisy Whitehouse - White Wolf Illustrations. For sale Let It Grow A1 hand screen printed posters £10, Grow Pack hand screen printer book, poster, pin badge and seeds £6, and illustrated pin badges £1 each.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* in FUSED Magazine
1st October 2009
The We Create* shop in The Oasis on Corporation Street in Birmingham city centre is featured in the Yearly Student Edition issue of FUSED Magazine - the publication features editorial on Music, Function, Fashion, Life style, Art, and Culture from around the Midlands and the United Kingdom.
The We Create* article on page 33 is in the magazine's Fashion Hotspots Section that runs down Birmingham's unique fashion finds.
The article reads:
'We Create* - Oasis Market, Corporation Street
We Create* is a small social enterprise that works, and encourages, new creative design talent. Housed within Oasis Market the newly opened shop includes 8 local young designers and their labels. Get in quick before these guys are snapped up and the prices begin to soar as the handpicked lucky few develop their style.'
25 000 copies of the FREE FUSED student guide are distributes around the Midlands, Nationally, and Internationally...if you're lucky - you may be able to lay your hands on one! Copies are available from the We Create* shop.
Many Thanks and Kind Regrds
We Create*
We Create* Window Display
30th September 2009
We Create* has a display in the front window of The Oasis on Corporation Street in Birmingham city centre for the next 4 weeks. The display showcases the fashion labels incubated in the We Create* shop and a range of their designs.
The display will raise the shops profile to passing foot traffic on the street and increase We Create* sales.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* in Area Magazine
25th September 2009
The We Create* shop in The Oasis on Corporation Street in Birmingham city centre is featured in the September issue of monthly pocket culture guide for the West Midlands - Area Magazine.
The We Create* article on page 48 is in the magazine's Fashion Section runs down Birmingham's favorite fashion hotspots Selfridges Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser and Area Magazine's new favorite shop We Create*
The article reads:
'OUR NEW FAVORITE SHOP
We Create*
Oasis Market, Corporation Street, Birmingham
We Create* is a small social enterprise that works, and encourages, new creative design talent. Housed within The Oasis Market the newly opened shop includes 8 local young designers and their labels.
With a nice range of tees, totes, and accessories you'll need to get in quick before these guys are snapped up and the prices begin to soar as the handpicked lucky few develop their style.'
25 000 copies of the FREE monthly pocket culture guide are distributes around the West Midlands...if you're lucky - you may be able to lay your hands on one! Copies are available from the We Create* shop.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* on Rhubarb Radio
17th September 2009
We Create* was invited to talk about its shop in The Oasis and the social enterprise on the community radio station Rhubarb Radio based at The Custard Factory - Digbeth.
We Create* were guests of ALT_stream on Thursday 17th September 8.00-10.00pm and you can 'Listen Again' to the show on the ALT_stream section of the Rhubarb Radio website.
ALT_stream is made up of 'Adzi P' and 'plasticrabbit'. The show brings listeners the best in underground music, ranging from Drum n Bass to laptop pop. They don't discriminate; any genre is fair game. as long as it has that something special that gets us excited and/or aroused!
The show brings you special guests, like We Create*, and top secret government info about the Birmingham 'scene'. As it's still early days Adzi P and plasticrabbit are still unsure as to how the show will evolve so watch this space!
Check out the ALT_stream website or get in touch by the ALT_stream Facebook, MySpace, or email alt.stream@rhubarbradio.com
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create* Opens Shop
7th August 2009
We Create* opened its first shop, on August 1st, based in The Oasis on Corporation Street in Birmingham. The shop incubates 10 local young fashion designer's and the labels they have developed. The unit also retails designs developed by participants on We Create*'s Fashion Design and its Commercial Development pilot courses.
The We Create* shop was set-up with a £480 grant from the Prince's Trust.
We Create* had a great response in its first week with 17 sales. The organisation received 20+ enquires off other young designers to assist in the set-up of labels under development and retail space upon completion. The shop also attracted interest from another 4/5 labels wanting incubating - unfortunately no space is available in the unit as it's at full capacity. We Create* is taking contact details from interested labels as it plans on developing operations to accommodate other young designers.
We Create* has been in talks with City Councils across the West Midlands the last few months to develop additional retail spaces across the region to incubate other local young fashion designers. The organisation also aims to develop additional retail spaces around Birmingham in locations with high levels of footfall such as market stalls around the city centre on New Street, near the Bullring.
We Create*'s goal is to open a Flagship Incubation Unit in Birmingham city centre that all local young designers can retail their designs and run their business from, with access to commercial equipment and facilities, and a small network of other shops across the Midlands to allow them to retail designs regionally.
We Create* Shop
The We Create* shop stocks birmingham-based labels VAGRANT, Mouldy Loaf, Cut-Out, OFTM, Huk, Soapbox, and Choochie Choo.
Please help promote the We Create* Shop to friends in Birmingham on Facebook and MySpace
We Create* Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birmingham-United-Kingdom/We-Create/66616623480?ref=ts
We Create* Facebook Group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=64776758034&ref=ts
We Create* MySpace
http://www.MySpace.com/WeCreate_
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
Empty Shops Revival Plan
10th May 2009
The Empty Shops Revival Plan is a new Government initiative to temporarily convert empty shops into social enterprises, local art displays, or learning centres to help innovative communities prevent high streets declining. The plan was recently set out by Secretary of Communities Hazel Blears in the link below:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/news/corporate/1201277
We Create* is trying to set up retail premises in the Midlands to incubate local young fashion designers in and to sell its participants designs. The organisation has a collective of local young designers ready, participants designs to retail, volunteers to help renovate, set up, and run the shop, and the resources to set up the premises.
Unfortunately it does not have the capital to rent a unit initially - We Create* hopes to gain a free unit in a city centre for 6 months, under the new Government initiative, that will allow the organisation to run its social enterprise from and build up the finances to open up more incubation units on the high street that can become self sustainable.
For the last year 3/4 months the organisation has been speaking to local councils based around the Midlands about occupying units unoccupied for years rent free for 6 month to help We Create* develop its outreach, social impact, and network within the local community - its been hard.
We're glad that national Government sees the opportunity to open-up and use redundant spaces on the high street for the good of the community and hope the new Empty Shops Revival Plan will filter down to local Government a-sap to help us gain a retail unit in the vv.near future.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
VAGRANT Photoshoots
10th April 2009
After a week of planning, getting the studio booked, and locations confirmed on Thursday 19th and 26th February, Wednesday 4th March, and Thursday 26th March We Create* went in the studio and on location to produce the shots for the VAGRANT Marketing and Advertisement Campaign and product images for the VAGRANT ecommerce site.
Fashion photographer Tom was recruited from University - Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD) with a poster and model Rich Dolphin is a friend of We Create* that was happy to lend us his good homeless looks!
Thursday 19th February saw us meet 10.00am on campus at BIAD to take the studio shots for the ecommerce site - rounding up the day swiftly by 11.30am.
Thursday 26th February saw us meet at 11.00am at Chester Road Train Station (Birmingham) to take shots at a nearby laundrette, greengrocers, pub, off-license, and snooker hall - rounding up the day by 3.00am.
Wednesday 4th March saw us meet at 11.00am in Birmingham City Centre for more location shots taken at a nearby greasy spoon, news agents, market, and multi-story car park - rounding up the day by 2.30pm.
The last shoot was back in the studio at BIAD on Thursday 26th March for an hour 1.00-2.00pm to get some remaining close-up shoots for the ecommerce site.
We Create* would like to thank Tom and Rich for the skills and time given to produce the location and studio shots.
More images can be seen on our Flickr and VAGRANT ecommerce site
Photographer Tom Ayerst http://www.tomayerst.co.uk
Model Rich Dolphin http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=505651358&ref=ts
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
School for Social Entrepreneurs Graduation
5th April 2009
On Thursday 2nd April founder of We Create* , Richard Leighton, graduated from the School for Social Entrepreneurs - London. The graduation was held at Coin Street Neighbourhood Centre on London's South Bank.
The event saw 41 students graduate off the 2008/9 Block and Weekly courses become fellows of the School.
The day began at 1.00pm arriving for registration and refreshments followed by a welcome and introduction from the Staff members of the School. A break was followed by graduates presenting a 4/5minute...some more like 7/8 - presentation to the 2/300 at the ceremony about their projects.
Presentations were followed by a reflection on the year and speech from the Minister for the Third Sector, Kevin Brennan MP and David Adair the Head of Community Affairs at PricewaterhouseCoopers. After students were awarded their Certificates of Fellowship at 4.30pm was time to socialising and networking into the evening.
And a chance to get a nice photo of Richard taken with his mom and dad!
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
We Create*/VAGRANT Pub Golf Scorecard
1st April 2009
There's nothing more the We Create* team like to do on a Friday night after a long hard week at work than go out and play Pub Golf!
We like it so much we want to get more involved in the sporting event so we've designed and developed a Scorecard with a Guide to Pub Golf so you can all go out and enjoy it now as well - FORE!
Please DOWNLOAD the PDF, print off one for each competitor, and get playing!
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*
The History of We Create*
15th March 2009
The We Create* concept was initially devised in 2000 when founder Richard Leighton was 17, studying his A-levels, and working as a sales assistant at GAP in Birmingham.
Richard was concerned about homeless people being cold on the streets and thought it would be a good idea if clothing designers worked on a project with homeless people to design and develop functional and versatile apparel that would help keep them warm.
Richard went on to think that the clothing designers could also help teach the homeless people to design the apparel and that they could develop a business, brand, and a shop to sell the designs they produced.
Before you knew it, in Richard's head, this company could help employ all the homeless people around the United Kingdom and get them off the streets. Some of the homeless would work in Head Office developing and producing designs, some in the warehouse to store and distribute stock, and some in the shops to sell the designs to the general public.
A concept not dissimilar to the GAP where Richard worked but all people involved in the company were given a helping hand off the streets, training, and employment. Richard understood that maybe all homeless people weren't interested in designing clothing but he felt he could find a job in the company to suit most of them.
Aged 18 Richard decided that if he was going to develop this company he'd need to go to University to study fashion and the business and management processes that revolved around setting up a company in the industry. Richard applied for a variety of universities through UCAS and after visits to the different institutes he accepted an offer to study a BA Hons in Fashion Design Management at the University of Leeds in September 2002.
Richard planned on studying the degree, learning everything there was to know about the fashion industry, and after graduation three years later starting the company to help the homeless.
After the first year on the course Richard, despite having the best year of his life socially at University, academically wasn't learning the skills required to set up the business on the course. Over his first summer Richard stayed in Leeds and worked at his job as a sales assistant at Diesel. He looked at changing university and courses but decided to stay at the University of Leeds because of the friends and fun but decided that he was going to start to develop the company now rather than wait until after graduation.
Two months into the second year of his Fashion Design Management degree, in October 2003, Richard approach The Big Issue in the North with the concept to develop a Training and Design Management Agency that offered individuals from homeless backgrounds the opportunity to gain qualifications and commercial experience in Fashion Design called The Big Fashion Issue. Richard felt he couldn't set up the company by himself and needed help so he approached the organisation because he felt they both had similar aims and objectives.
The Training Agency would not only offer training in fashion design but also fashion journalism, photography, and styling. Big Issue vendors could use the training agency to develop the skills to design and develop branded clothing that was to be manufactured and sold to raise awareness and profits for the Big Issue to run the project. In addition vendors who wanted to learn fashion journalism, photography, and styling would develop a Quarterly (Spring/Summer/Autumn/Winter) Big Fashion Issue magazine that the other Big Issue vendors could sell across the United Kingdom.
Richard approached The Big Issue because he found out through research that they were part of a network called International Network of Street Papers (INSP). The network was made up of 50 Big Issue-style publications in 30 countries around the world (now around 100 publications in 40 different countries worldwide). So Richard thought if he could make it work at the Big Issue in the United Kingdom that he could help other homeless people all over the world by utilising the Big Issue and its wider network.
In January 2004 aged 20, with a £500 grant from the University of Leeds Community Initiative (LUCI), Richard delivered his first 12-week Fashion Design and its Commercial Development course. The course showed Big Issue vendors all the processes involved in the design, production, promotion, and retail of fashion-based products. The course outcome saw participants develop a brand called VAGRANT and a range of Tees, hooded tops, and sweatshirt design for retail. The vendors also modelled the designs in the Leeds University RAG Charity Fashion Show and the University of Leeds Graduate Fashion Show. In the summer Richard delivered his second 12-week course working with the Big Issue in the Midlands and its vendors in Birmingham.
By the end of the summer Richard and the project had run two pilot courses with the Big Issue, developed a brand and designs for retail with Big Issue vendors in Leeds and Birmingham, and met the Financial and Managing Directors of the Big Issue in the North who rejected the concept and its further development. Richard also met the Managing and Financial Directors at The Big Issue in London where the concept was presented to the board and also rejected.
By this time Richard had realised that the best way to tackle homelessness in the United Kingdom was not to specifically work just with the homeless. He realised that homelessness was the end result of a number of unfortunate circumstances and that the best way to tackle homelessness was to work with people vulnerable of becoming homeless in the next five or so years of their life. Many of The Big Issue vendors Richard worked with were from disadvantaged backgrounds, had a poor education, and had ended up on drugs, offending regularly, and in prison. So Richard developed the concept into a Training and Design Management Agency that offered individuals from disadvantaged and socially excluded backgrounds the opportunity to gain qualifications and commercial experience in Fashion Design.
Richard had spent the past 11 months studying on the second year of his degree and working 20-plus hours a week on the project for The Big Issue as a volunteer. Still confident, and believing the concept was now stronger than ever after it's initial trial, Richard approached a number of other charitable and not-for-profit organisations connected with helping individuals from disadvantaged and socially excluded backgrounds across the UK. Unfortunately none of the organisations wanted to help. Richard thought it was his lack of experience and age that was the reason behind no one wanting to help with the concept so he decided to develop some other concepts he had generated while working on The Big Fashion Issue project.
Richard spent the next 2/3 years approaching and developing other fashion-based projects for an array of organisations including Oxfam, The Salvation Army, and the Homeless World Cup as a volunteer - all were also rejected for commercial development.
Richard had planned on successfully developing one of the concepts for Oxfam, the Salvation Army, or the Homeless World Cup and then re-approaching the Big Issue again to reconsider. Unfortunately by 2006 and aged 23 Richard had found that very few charitable and not-for-profit organisations were interested in innovating and diversifying, so he gave up and got a job working for French Connection as a sales assistant to save the money to study for an MA in Fashion so that he could get a job as a designer.
For the last 4/5 years Richard had felt very isolated and didn't realise that he had effectively been operating as a Social Entrepreneur or that there were other individuals out there like him.
Richard was asked to go and speak about the projects he had developed back at the University of Leeds at a university-run business event. One of the tutors organising the event asked Richard the question "You're a Social Entrepreneur aren't you, really?" and not particularly knowing the term he searched for 'Social Entrepreneur' on Google.
By chance a few weeks later, Richard came across an advertisement in the Birmingham Post jobs section for a course at the School for Social Entrepreneurs in Birmingham. Richard had a look on the website but decided not to apply and continued to working to save for his MA in Fashion as, by this stage, he was pretty dejected with charitable and not for profit organisations. Richard started his MA in Fashion at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design - 3/4 months into the course Richard was inspired by his fellow students to look into The Big Fashion Issue concept again after a lack of motivation on the course and not really wanting to work as a designer for someone else.
Richard went on the School for Social Entrepreneurs website to have another look and noticed they were recruiting for the 2008 Fellowship Programme starting in April at the School in London. So he applied in December 2007 and was invited to interview in January 2008. Richard thought the only way he could afford to do the course was if he was offered a scholarship placement as he was already working five nights a week to fund his MA in Fashion. Richard was offered a scholarship placement in March 2008 and gladly accepted.
By April the course started and Richard felt he had enough skills, experience, and renewed confidence to develop the concept by himself into a Social Enterprise - We Create* was born. Over the next 3/4 months at the School for Social Entrepreneurs the concept made more progress than it had made in the last 3/4years. We Create* gained support from PricewaterhouseCoopers and funding from UnLtd* and the Prince's Trust for £5,280 to set the social enterprise up over the next 12 months.
In January 2009 We Create* was officially set up and formalised.
Richard graduated from the School for Social Entrepreneurs in April 2009 aged 26. He has now been offered and accepted a funded place on a PG Certificate in Social Enterprise at Coventry University and is in the process of finishing his MA in Fashion.
We Create* is now developing its organisation's outreach around the Birmingham area and is applying for funding and support from other organisations to help establish a National Headquarters. The headquarters will allow We Create* to train individuals from disadvantaged and socially excluded backgrounds in fashion design, support recent fashion graduates and young individuals based around the city setting up or wanting to set up their own labels, and space to retail their designs.
More information about We Create*
DOWNLOAD the We Create* Information Booklet PDF
VIDEO TO FOLLOW when we can afford a digital camcorder!
Last Updated on 15/04/2009
Contact rich@WeCreate.org.uk
Many Thanks and Kind Regards
We Create*