Free Art & Design Saturday club for 13-16 year olds

As part of the National Saturday Club network, local young people can now apply to join the Art & Design Saturday Club at Hotel Elephant. Starting in Nov 2025, the programme explores creative textiles, builds skills, and reveals career paths.

Do you want to enrich your design and making skills in the world of sustainable textiles? Join us for a 15-week program taking place in two parts in the Autumn and Spring terms, where you will be taught by educational tutors from industry to enhance your creativity, confidence and skills in Textiles.

Part 1: Starting in early November, students will collaborate and make an inspirational wall-hanging that will promote eco-sustainable messages. They will use a variety of textile materials, techniques and processes, exploring print, appliqué, embroidery and upcycled fabric/ plastic manipulation. Part 2: Starting in early February 2026, students will develop their design ideas and making skills to create an upcycled garment or accessory outcome for a group collection.

Throughout the 15-week program, students will get the opportunity to meet the creative professionals working in our studios, who will share insights into what it's like working within the creative industries. This could include studio visits and demonstrations from studio members who work within the fashion, costume and textiles fields. In addition, students will participate in three national events as part of the National Saturday Club network. These events are free and include the Visit, a group visit to a cultural institution, the Masterclass, a masterclass delivered by an industry professional from the creative industries, culminating in the Summer Show and graduation, where students will come together to celebrate their achievements and showcase their work to friends and family.

Special thanks to the Inspiring Elephant Fund, whose valuable support has enabled us to launch the 2025/26 club. Who can apply? Any young person aged 13-16 years old. For young people looking to complete the application form themselves, please ensure you do so with the knowledge of your parent/guardian/carer.