I catch up with make-up and hair stylist Louise Troy about workshops that uplift and support the community in the beautiful new premises of Lumina Arts Alliance.
Along with fellow directors of arts hub, Lumina Arts Alliance, Louise has recently moved into a new creative space in beautiful premises opposite All Saints Church – that used to be Not Another Jungle on George Row.
Along with Jack Savage and Dylan Storey, Louise is co-creating an inclusive hub where people can explore creativity, gain confidence and connect with others. From affordable workshops to community gardening projects, Louise’s work is all about shining a light on others and bringing people together.
Q: Lumina Arts Alliance has recently moved into this beautiful new creative space in Northampton – tell us about it.
A: We’ve just moved into new premises opposite All Saints Church in George Row, in the space that used to be Not Another Jungle. I’m there with Jack Savage and Dylan from Lumina Arts Alliance and together we’re creating a really accessible and inclusive creative hub. Our aim is to allow anyone to come in, experience different art forms and feel part of a creative community.
Q: What kind of workshops are you running there?
A: We run creative workshops in subjects such as make-up, music, interior design and photography. Thanks to funding we’ve received, the sessions are really accessible – for example, I’ve just finished a beautiful creative make-up workshop with some lovely women, and the atmosphere was amazing. The whole idea is to help people build confidence, try something new and explore creativity in a supportive space.
Q: Why is creating these spaces and supporting women in the community so important to you?
A: I really believe everyone has an inner goddess and a creative spark within them.
Sometimes people just need the opportunity and the encouragement to explore it.
Being around other people, uplifting each other and sharing creativity is incredibly powerful.
Around International Women’s Day especially, it felt important to shine a light on women in our community and create spaces where people feel supported and inspired.
Q: What else is happening with your community projects this year?
A: Alongside the workshops, we’re continuing work on our community garden in Semilong.
Last year we built the garden and this year we’re planning to add a shed and start growing food crops for the community. With funding from the Grow Cook Eat project we’re hoping to expand the gardening and make the space more sensory and uplifting.
Q: So we’re not losing the plants from Not Another Jungle entirely?
Laughing: No, plants are so uplifting to be around and we are definitely looking at bringing the outside in.
Lumina Arts Alliance Launch Event at new Premises in George Row
We’re also launching the new creative space with an event on March 28 from 2pm to 10pm, with some fantastic artists performing – it’s open to everyone and all about bringing the community together. 🌱✨
For further details of all upcoming workshops and events visit the Lumina Arts Alliance website: https://www.luminaartsalliance.org.uk/
To read more about the transformation of Semilong’s community garden visit the link: https://northantsmag.co.uk/from-eyesore-to-oasis-how-a-semilong-resident-turned-a-derelict-urban-space-into-a-vibrant-community-garden