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Funders & Supporters
The story so far
The Clay Mill began as a family business, equipped with just one pottery wheel and kiln. Through organic growth, fueled by our strong reputation and positive word-of-mouth, we have grown into a vibrant hub for potters, groups and diverse communities.
As we continue to grow and expand our knowledge and expertise, we remain steadfastly committed to our roots and core values: fostering creative quality, ensuring access and inclusion for all and upholding environmental responsibility. This unwavering dedication is made possible through the invaluable contributions of our members, critical friends and strategic partners.
Our Members
We simply wouldn’t be where we are today without our members and students. Over the past seven years, they’ve been our greatest supporters - sharing our work, recommending us to others and helping us stay true to our vision of providing high-quality tuition in a clean, inspiring and welcoming shared studio.
Their enthusiasm keeps us moving forward. It inspires our long-term aim to create a sustainable legacy and to pass skills onto new and emerging artists. We’re now exploring ways for members to play a bigger role in shaping the future of The Clay Mill, possibly as a collective or not-for-profit organisation. (More on that soon!)
Critical Friends
For the past 18 months, we’ve had the privilege of working with mentors and organisations who share our values. Their guidance has been invaluable as we’ve reflected on inclusion, access, sustainable studio practice and creative quality.
We’re grateful to everyone who offered their time, expertise and ideas on what makes a space truly inclusive and welcoming:
- Shabang Inclusive Learning
- Space to Be - Scarborough Museums and Galleries
- Beaumont Primary Academy
- Wendy Gers PhD
- Liadin Cook - Sculptor
- Susanna Meese - Telling Tales
- Manda Graham - Creative Spark
Funders
Our move into a new, more accessible studio has been funded primarily through our own organic growth. Alongside this, we’ve been fortunate to receive support that helps us strengthen our commitment to access, inclusion and wellbeing.
Arts Council England
Strange Blooms and Strong Threads – Research & Development Project
A 12-month R&D programme that enabled mentoring, reflection and consultation workshops with our critical friends and their communities. This project played a key part in our decision to relocate and rethink our future direction.
Unlimited
Accessibility Programme (funded through West Yorkshire Combined Authority)
This support enabled us to improve physical and sensory access within our new venue, including purchasing a wheelchair-adaptable wheel, creating a sensory quiet zone and installing dementia-friendly signage.
We also took part in Unlimited’s accessibility training, giving us time and space to reflect on what makes The Clay Mill unique and how we can continue to improve.
Kirklees Council Business Team
Providing guidance on future planning, marketing and exploring social enterprise options.
Kirklees COuncil: PACE Programme
A small grant that allowed us to work with volunteers - including participants with autism - supporting confidence and creativity in the studio.
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