A few years ago, Brook Arts Hub was little more than an idea — but it was a big idea. A shared belief that Stratford-upon-Avon deserved a space where creativity and community could meet on equal terms. Since opening our doors at 24 Cottage Lane, we’ve been busy — and not quietly. Members, practitioners and volunteers — we still remember those first three months of 2025, consumed by woodworking, decorating, website building, fundraising… the work seemed endless. Since then, we’ve held almost 300 workshops, events and collaborations: classes that sparkled imagination, sessions that calmed minds, and public talks that ran long after the chairs were stacked. At The Brook artists, neighbours, and visitors found themselves on the same wavelength. We welcomed artists-in-residence who filled the cottage with paint, sound, questions, and, occasionally, controlled chaos. We had ups and downs. All of it — truly all — has become part of our story, and shaped our vision. And now, we want to share what’s on our mind with you. This blog is our next step in finding our voice. Here we’ll talk about the things that matter to us: the art world and its challenges, local and global inspirations, the artists and ideas we admire, the questions we believe are worth asking. You’ll see reflections on big international projects, and insights from colleagues, short news pieces and essays that trace how art moves through communities, including ours. This blog is about us. Yours Sincerely Arts Rising Collective / Brook Arts Hub