Banks Mill Tenants win Arts Council Funding

We are always proud of our creatives here at Banks Mill but this autumn we are especially pleased to announce that two of our tenants successfully applied for, and have been granted a share of Arts Council England’s DYCP (Developing Your Creative Practice) Funding. Lucy Mills of Freckle Creative and artist Sarah Perkins were both successful in this latest round of Arts Council funding bids. Read more about their individual applications and future projects below. 

 

Freckle Creative Learning

Studio 1.6 

Lucy Mills Art 

 

Lucy is proud to announce that she has recently been awarded a grant from Arts Council England to develop her creative practice.  Although Lucy’s journey at Banks Mill began in teaching art and textiles, in the past 18 months much of her work has involved leading creative wellbeing groups for neurodivergent young people and adults in Derby and Derbyshire.  This inspired Lucy to apply for the DYCP award to undertake specific Creative Facilitator training courses alongside mentoring and developing networks with artists working in this field.   

In addition, Lucy will be researching ‘arpilleras’, a form of political textile art from Chile in the 1970/80s, incorporating a visit to the world’s largest collection of ‘Conflict Textiles’, held by Roberta Bacic and Ulster University in Northern Ireland next year.  She will then work with a mentor to develop how this form of textiles can be used to process trauma within other contexts. 

For more information about the Conflict Textiles collection at Ulster Uni you can visit the link below. 

Conflict Textiles Website 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Perkins

Studio 1.7 

The second of our successful Banks Mill residents, wildlife artist Sarah Perkins is celebrating after she also, successfully secured a Developing Your Creative Practice (DYCP) grant from Arts Council England. Her project, “Beyond Wildlife Portraiture: Painting Nature Through Direct Observation”, marks an exciting new chapter in her artistic career. 

Having spent the past eight years establishing herself as an animal portrait and wildlife artist, Sarah is now looking to expand her creative practice through oil painting, landscapes and a more expressive approach to capturing the natural world. 

The eight-month project, beginning in December, will provide opportunities for specialist training, mentoring with established artists, purchase of new equipment and developing her skills through painting outdoors directly from nature. Inspired by a recent oil painting workshop with landscape artist Jenny Aitken, Sarah has already begun incorporating a looser, more expressive style into her wildlife paintings. 

Sarah said: 

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have received this funding. Having Arts Council England recognise the potential in my work means so much. This is a wonderful opportunity to invest in my development, explore new techniques and push my creativity further. Wildlife and animals will always be at the heart of my work, but I’m excited to see how painting directly from nature will influence my artistic style and open new opportunities for the future.” 

Sarah hopes the project will help her develop a cohesive new body of work, explore gallery representation and take the next steps in her professional artistic career. 

 

 

Sarah Perkins will also be returning to Staunton Harold Hall for a Magical Christmas Artisan Show 

Artisan Guild member Sarah Perkins will be returning to the beautiful Staunton Harold Hall this November for The Christmas Artisan Show, taking place across two weekends, 6th–8th and 13th–15th November 2026. 

This year’s event promises to be particularly special, with the historic private family home transformed into a magical, Narnia-inspired Christmas setting. 

Sarah will once again be exhibiting in the Hall’s stunning library, showcasing her original wildlife and animal artwork alongside fine art prints, greeting cards and a selection of gifts, perfect for Christmas. 

Visitors will have the rare opportunity to explore the beautifully decorated rooms of Staunton Harold Hall while browsing handmade creations from talented artists and independent makers. With live music, seasonal treats and a festive atmosphere, it’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some Christmas shopping in a truly unique setting. 

Dates: 6th–8th and 13th–15th November 2026 

Venue: Staunton Harold Hall, Leicestershire, LE65 1RT 

Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/the-artisan-show 

Advance booking is recommended as tickets are limited.