The Turnpike CIC was a bold, independent not-for-profit arts project with community at its heart, based in Leigh, Greater Manchester.

This web archive, titled Could this be paradise? reflects on our 5 years in Leigh, highlighting the community voices and artists who have worked with us to shape our organisation.

We want to say a huge thank you to our Turnpike family; the team members, volunteers, artists, community members, peer organisations, funders and supporters who have invested their energy, creativity and ingenuity with us over the years.

Learning & Young People
Bubble Up Leigh

Bubble Up Leigh was a new Neighbourhood Partnership with three other local organisations: Everything Human Rights, WigLe Dance and freelance practitioner Vicky Tyrell. This programme engaged young people transitioning into Year 7 during the pandemic, supporting them with socially distanced, fun and creative workshops with professional artists.

The Turnpike commissioned artists Sally Gilford and Paul Pickford to lead engagement in this programme, creating screen-printed textiles and a collaborative collage zine.

Workshop plans were produced in partnership with Arts Council Bridge Organisation Curious Minds, to ensure rigorous Covid-safe measures were put in place. Activities were designed to build social skills and reduce anxiety about transition. Feedback from participants and parents was overwhelmingly positive as they found it a valuable way to build confidence ahead of returning to their first year of high school. Bubble Up Leigh was generously supported by Curious Minds.