We connect people and places through art, research and creative action. We empower local communities, wherever they may be, to make positive change right on their doorsteps.

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Co-designing futures

Small town doesn't mean small thinking.
Big city doesn't mean big expense.

Small town doesn't mean small ambition.
Big city doesn't mean big ego.

Local is a creative placemaking arts organisation. We work with communities to deliver world-class arts projects, programmes and experiences. We look out as well as in, by partnering with neighbours and international communities to celebrate what's great about a place, bringing in fresh thinking and new collaborations. Together we shape places that are more relevant, accessible and sustainable for the future.
Local projects for everyone.

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OUR WORK

In Tameside

We delivered the new brand and website for Tameside Council's Cultural Services and wider cultural community, including a new collection of Tameside-inspired maker commissions.

DiscoVER MORE HERE

The Bridge

We’re the Creative Directors and Producers for The Bridge – a four-year cultural programme including Stalybridge High Street Heritage Action Zone and Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2022.

DiscoVER MORE HERE

Glossop Creates

We kickstarted this creative placemaking programme for Glossopdale's cultural community, and now provide a programme of support for local independent business and creative industries.

DiscoVER MORE HERE

In Tameside

We delivered the new brand and website for Tameside Council's Cultural Services and wider cultural community, including a new collection of Tameside-inspired maker commissions.

VIEW MORE

The Bridge

We’re the Creative Directors and Producers for The Bridge – a four-year cultural programme including Stalybridge High Street Heritage Action Zone and Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2022.

VIEW MORE

Glossop Creates

We kickstarted this creative placemaking programme for Glossopdale's cultural community, and now provide a programme of support for local independent business and creative industries.

VIEW MORE

Derbyshire Culture

Working with Curated Place, we co-authored Derbyshire’s five-year Cultural Framework (2021-2026). The report celebrates Derbyshire's culture, highlights areas of opportunity and encourages local collaboration.

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D2025

We were the Executive Producers for the Durham City of Culture 2025 bid, bringing our creative leadership to help shape the campaign and proposed cultural programme.

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GMAST

We developed the new strategy and business plan for the Greater Manchester Art Sustainability Team, helping them to strengthen their offer, bringing people together to address the climate crisis.

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ICE Living Lab

We provide ongoing support, advice and cultural exchange for Borlänge's Innovation Centre of Excellence (Sweden), advocating for creative placemaking strategies for the future.

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Live Works

We’re an Associate to the University of Sheffield’s Urban Room and placemaking consultancy. As Associate, we design and deliver creative co-production strategies for working with local communities.

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Great Place GM

We managed and delivered the legacy programme for the Greater Manchester Great Place scheme, demonstrating the impact of culture and creativity on community and place.

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Corridor of Light

We produced the creative vision, commissioning framework, fundraising and evaluation for Corridor of Light 2021 – a three-day pilot arts festival in Manchester’s Innovation District.

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Living Room

As part of the Stalybridge Heritage Action Zone, we’re co-creating a living archive to democratise local heritage and create spaces to share stories and provide fresh interpretations.

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Town Centre Vision

Using our Urban Room engagement strategy, designed to ensure local voices and ideas are considered, we provided further context and analysis to Rochdale's emerging town centre vision.

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what we do

Action research. Public art. Coffee and creativity. Cultural programming. Art and conversation. Urban rooms. Empowering artists. Co- designing futures. Pop-up hubs. Sustainable practice. Psychogeography.

We have a tried and tested toolkit, but we’re open minded! Every project is as bespoke as its place. So, whether it’s through public art, cultural programming or community engagement, we always start with local to unlock the potential of place.

Where is local?

Local is global. From Bolton to Borlänge, Tameside to Tokyo, we co-produce with local communities on a whole range of local issues, themes and opportunities.

Ashton
WHO ARE LOCAL?

Local is co-founders Claire Tymon and Steven Dexter and Creative Producer Charlie Collins. Together we’ve got almost 40 years’ experience delivering ambitious place-based projects, art commissions and cultural programming all around the world. In other words, we're a safe pair of hands.

Claire Tymon

Claire initiates creative and cultural place-based projects, programmes and strategies. A researcher, curator and disrupter, Claire is driven by action-led social change.

CONTACT Claire

Steven Dexter

Steven has worked internationally with performing and fine arts organisations, artists and local authorities, as a producer, curator, creative collections manager and placemaker.

CONTACT steven

Steven Dexter

Our co-founder and Executive Producer. Steven has worked with performing and fine arts organisations and local authorities throughout his career in the UK and Australia.

CONTACT steven