Buy, hire or commission our work

Start Creative is the commercial side of the community charity Start in Salford. Start Creative has developed in response to the aspirations of our Start in Salford members. We provide a vibrant, supportive and professional working environment with opportunities for people to showcase their creative talents and high quality artworks.

Start Creative is also the way we involve everyone in the community. We offer creative and therapeutic classes and workshops, public exhibitions, regular events and craft fairs throughout the year.

Start Creative is a social enterprise and improving the wellbeing of our community is at the very heart of what we do. Our range of services support local people and local businesses, contributing to a more prosperous local economy. Any profit we make is reinvested in our facilities and projects.

We also choose to work in partnership with organisations who share our approach. We believe that this kind of enterprise at a local level is the key to creating community identity and bringing people together.

We use ethically sourced materials and low carbon impact products and processes wherever possible. For example, much of the wood we use for our ‘Urban Yurts’ and ‘Green habitats’ comes from woodlands in and around Salford and is coppiced by us, a process that improves the health of woodlands.

Read all about our products and services below, for information about Start Creative contact Ben Thomas on 0161 351 6000 or email ben.thomas@startinsalford.org.uk

“Hand crafted in Salford”

This is the label we proudly put on our range. A constantly changing mix of fine art and hand crafted products that you’ll find for sale at craft markets, galleries and local outlets.

Urban Yurts

Start Creative designs and makes unique, fully equipped Urban Yurts, Mongolian inspired wooden framed tents. Our Yurts are made to order. For people wanting a truly individual and magical space for special events such as wedding receptions, festivals or creative workshops we have larger Yurts to hire for the occasion!

Art for rent

Cheer up your workspace with art – we have a selection of paintings, prints and artwork for rent to large and small clients in a variety of sectors including leisure, health and local government.

Community classes

A chance to try something new or rediscover a forgotten interest at one of our community classes. We offer life drawing, singing, yoga, photography, ceramics, woodcraft and more. All are welcome, especially beginners!

Master classes

We run inspirational contemporary and traditional craft courses led by master craftspeople and specialists – improve and enhance your creative skills!

Creative workshops

Start Creative offers a range of tutor-led creative workshops for community groups and organisations. The workshops are tailored to meet your objectives, for example to address specific issues, engage a target group or develop a creative concept. You decide the outcome too ­– individual artworks, a public artwork, a group performance or even a new publicity campaign, it’s up to you!

Commissions

Start Creative offers unique artwork and woodcraft for public places or private spaces. These are made to special order, be it one-off hand crafted pieces of furniture, outdoor structures or inspirational art installations.

We also provide great value on services including: event and still life photography, portraiture, illustration, picture framing and garden design.

If you would like to commission one of our services or want us to work on your next project we are happy to discuss your ideas without obligation.

Green habitats

Through organic, handcrafted and living products Start Creative contributes to urban regeneration in Salford. Our products are for sale or made to order and include: edible hanging baskets and planters, bug hotels, bat and bird boxes, outdoor seating and structures.