Women Who Make
What is Women Who Make?
Women Who Make places women’s creativity and stories at the heart of Derbyshire’s cultural programme.
Women Who Make is a bold, welcoming space within Derbyshire Makes that champions women’s creativity, labour and lived experience - past, present and future. Launched on International Women’s Day 2025, the programme brings together artists, makers, designers and activists who identify as women to share skills, stories and solidarity.
Through talks, guided walks, studio visits, workshops and collective making, Women Who Make explores themes of value, care, courage, circular futures, enterprise and belonging. Rooted in Derbyshire’s landscapes, heritage and creative networks, and connected to wider feminist, environmental and cultural movements, the programme creates space for reflection, learning and collective action. Above all, Women Who Make is about visibility, connection and creative agency, supporting women to be seen, heard and celebrated.
The programme is curated by Sophie Gresswell, Samantha Whelan and Stephanie Walsh with Creative Director, Claire Tymon.
How to get involved
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A Patchwork of Dreams – A Women-Led Creative Conversation
We kicked off our Women Who Make talks series earlier this year.
The first talk was hosted by Derbyshire Makes Creative Director, Claire Tymon, alongside public art curator Cathy Newbery, lead artist Sue Reddish and Pip Jenkins, Design Director at John Smedley. The discussion explored the vital role of women in shaping this project and the countless women whose craftswomanship has historically been the backbone of the textile industry.
You can watch the discussion below:
Connecting with Nature Through Art and Conversation
Next in our Women Who Make talks series, Claire Tymon, Creative Director of Derbyshire Makes chaired a discussion with Cora Glasser of Glassball Studio (lead artist for MAKE Room), Feimatta Conteh (Sustainability Manager at Arts Council England), and Lucy Bird (dancer, facilitator, healer, and sustainability professional).
They explored our connections to nature, the powerful role art and culture play in deepening these relationships, and the unique contributions women make in the world of art, craft, and sustainability.
Women Who Make Events
Wednesday Webinars - Women Who Walk
Wednesday Webinars - Making as Soft Power
Creative Women's Network - The Business of Making
Wednesday Webinars - Where Women Create
Mixed-Media Collage with Steph Coley - An Online Creative Workshop
Women Who Make Festival at Hardwick Hall
Wirksworth Walk of Wonder - Circular Walk with Glass Photo Ball Experience and Breathwork Session
Birchen Edge and Gardom’s Edge Circular Walk - Nature Connection and Sketching
