Creative Windows in Clitheroe

Creative Windows in Clitheroe

Apply now to gain free expert advice on improving your curb appeal.

By supporting local businesses the "Clitheroe Shop Front" project aims to create a fresh buzz around the shop fronts in the town by having exceptionally creative window displays. Arts Development Officer Katherine Rodgers said "The town will feel even more unique and vibrant encouraging more new and repeat shoppers and tourists into the area, whilst supporting Clitheroe businesses through creativity".

Traders are to be given the opportunity to have expert advice on how to improve and develop their curb appeal by 'Helen Crossley' from Preston College Retail Skillshop. Helen is an approved Mary Portas Retail Master Class trainer and there will be additional support from a local artist to unleash the potential of their window displays.

There will be a Clitheroe Best Window competition for the public to get involved in over six months with prizes being awarded to the public and the businesses.

The project is being funded by Ribble Valley Borough Councils Arts, Tourism and Regeneration departments and Creativity Works a Pennine Lancashire Arts Partnership, raising the profile of and engagement with arts within Pennine Lancashire with thanks to the support of Clitheroe chamber of trade and Commerce. The project is also inspired by Creativity Works' LET Project which took place across Pennine Lancashire in 2010 which turned empty spaces into creative places.

Clitheroe shops will be invited to apply to be one of the 10 businesses selected to benefit from a master class. Helen will visit the lucky 10 prior to the master class so that she can gather information about the business to inform later discussions. The master class called "Creating Desire" focuses on how to stand out from the crowd and how to create the wow factor, all with the key aim to bring more cash into the businesses till. By the end of the session the businesses will have the beginnings of a 6-month plan of window displays. 3 businesses will be awarded a post master class follow up which includes a half day one to one session with Helen and a local artist whom will be tasked with creating a Christmas window display for November 2011.

The artists will have differing budgets from £0 - £200 to reflect what can be done on a wide range of budgets. A public competiton will be launched creating window of the month over the following 6 months. Prizes for the public and two days of artist time to create a future window display for the winning business.

For an application form and enquiries contact, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Arts Development, Katherine Rodgers, Platform Gallery, Station Rd, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 2JT,

Tel. 01200 443071 Email: arts.development@ribblevalley.gov.uk nbsp;

Businesses that have a shop front in Clitheroe Town Centre can apply. Businesses must be able to commit to a six-month plan of window dressing in return for the training. Return all completed application forms to the Platform Gallery, by the 13^{th September 2011.}