Opening the door to the magic of imagination within our communities
Make. Believe. (2025 to 2026) is an ambitious programme of creative transformation led by The Turnpike Gallery with HF Works CIC. Woven into three strands, activities include:
Collaborative Arts project with Higher Folds Community
Our inspiration comes from Higher Folds, a housing estate in east Leigh.
There is an abundance of creativity within the neighbourhood, from the outsider art of individuals, to the mythical stories of Marble Forest, the Monkey Tree and the Tree House, re-imagined places that continue to shape their heritage and identity.
Lead artist Sophie Mahon is working with Higher Folds residents to showcase the magic of their community and realise their creative ambition for the future through a year-long co-creation project, feeding into the Make. Believe. exhibition. This will include commission opportunities for resident artists and a celebration event in 2026.
"I'm proud to be an artist from Higher Folds and I want others to see the magic in the world like we do." - Elizabeth Twigge, HF Works CIC.
Upcoming events
- New Weekly Creative Group, open to all, starting Friday 6th February, 12:30pm to 2:30pm
- Youth-led Sessions, 7-14 years of age, throughout February and March, Wednesdays 3:30pm to 5:30pm
- Our Community Garden Drop-in Day, Wednesday 18th February, 2pm to 4pm
- Photo Walk: Higher Fold Woodland, Saturday 28th February 10.30am to 12:30pm. Meet at HF Works on Richmond Drive, WN7 2XY
- Treasure Hunt in Higher Folds woods, Saturday 7th March 10.30am-12.30pm. Meet at HF Works for a brew and cake before heading off with metal detectors!
Turnpike Print Tour
The Turnpike Print Tour is a series of free to access printmaking workshops for the public led by professional artists, hosted in community locations across Wigan Borough.
This will give everyone a chance to try their hand at this unique artform, and take inspiration from original artworks from the Turnpike Print Collection. Inspired by the DIY spirit of Higher Folds, we will be sharing tips and ideas for how participants can continue printmaking in their own homes using everyday materials.
Would you like to join us for a printmaking workshop? Check our tour dates and book your free place on our Turnpike Print Tour.
Professional Development for Artists
Make. Believe. will take local artists on a journey with us through a series of professional development opportunities. We were delighted to partner with Manchester based organisation Short Supply to launch TURN AROUND – a series of artist confidence-building sessions, and we have delivered 9 one to one portfolio review sessions with Wigan-based artists. Get in touch if you are a local artist wanting to know more.
Turnpike Creative Community
The Turnpike Creative Community is a dedicated group for young people aged 16 to 25 who are interested in learning about creative skills and careers, and getting involved in the Turnpike Gallery programme. Young people have previously been involved in curating the Climate.Emergency.Hope exhibition and selecting artworks for the re-hang of the Drumcroon Collection exhibition. The Creative Community will play a key role in shaping the look for the Make. Believe. exhibition in April 2026, including working on a new commission for the entrance to the Turnpike Gallery with artist Jamie-Lee Wainman.
Make. Believe. exhibition
All three strands will come together in the Make. Believe. exhibition at The Turnpike Gallery in 2026, celebrating the creative imagination of our communities alongside brand new artist commissions.