Junction Arts, a celebrated community arts charity, is marking a significant milestone with the launch of its ambitious 50 Stories for 50 Years heritage initiative. This year-long project, made possible by a substantial £56,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, commemorates the organisation's golden anniversary in 2026. It aims to meticulously gather and preserve the personal narratives, cherished memories, and profound creative influence that Junction Arts has fostered throughout Derbyshire since its establishment in 1976.
From Grassroots to National Recognition
What originated as a modest, grassroots entity known as South Normanton Community Arts in the 1970s, operating from the old New Street School to provide creative outlets for children and families in former mining communities, has evolved remarkably. Today, Junction Arts stands as a National Portfolio Organisation backed by Arts Council England. Its mission focuses on delivering creative projects that address inequality, ignite imagination, and strengthen community bonds across the region.
A Legacy of Major Community Events
Over the past five decades, the charity has become synonymous with large-scale, beloved community events and innovative programmes. These include the iconic Bolsover Lantern Parade, which began in 1994 and continues to attract thousands annually, alongside free family festivals, STEAM innovation projects engaging young people, and impactful public art installations that reach vast audiences each year.
Capturing Voices and Preserving Heritage
The 50 Stories for 50 Years project is dedicated to recording the experiences of a diverse range of individuals whose lives have been touched by creativity. This includes participants, artists, dedicated volunteers, partner organisations, and staff members who have all contributed to shaping the cultural fabric of areas like Bolsover, Chesterfield, and North East Derbyshire.
These collected stories will be conserved for future generations through a new digital archive. The project will also produce a documentary film and a touring exhibition, where artists will creatively interpret the gathered memories. The exhibition is scheduled to feature at Junction Arts' flagship festivals, such as the Chesterfield Children’s Festival, Tapton Lock Festival, and Bright Winter Nights.
Expansion and Enduring Impact
Through the 1980s and 1990s, the organisation expanded its reach across the Bolsover District, rebranding as Junction Arts and pioneering participatory and public art projects. Emily Bowman, Managing Director of Junction Arts, emphasised the project's significance, stating it offers a unique opportunity to safeguard a vital strand of local cultural heritage. She highlighted its role in capturing stories of creativity, resilience, and connection within post-industrial and rural Derbyshire, while also demonstrating the long-term impact of participatory arts and celebrating the people central to the organisation's journey.
Community Invited to Participate
Local residents are now warmly encouraged to share their personal stories and join in the anniversary celebrations. A series of events will be held during February and March in various locations including Bolsover, Shirebrook, Creswell, Chesterfield, South Normanton, and Pinxton. These gatherings aim to welcome participants, volunteers, artists, founders, and families from multiple generations, fostering a collective reflection on half a century of creative community engagement.
