Arundel Festival Launch

First there was an idea... gallery owner James Stewart’s desire to tap into the amazing pool of commercial creativity in Arundel.

Then there was a vision… chairman Dana Robertson’s vision, a forest of faces - all captured in black and white portraits.

A hanging, forest of faces introducing Akin’s creative folk to potential new members and future clients at a launch party during the Arundel Festival Gallery Trail’s 30-year celebrations.

This forest had roots in our group’s idea to share creative inspiration and pursue commercial projects together.

However, it grew not up but down…from the ceiling - a very high ceiling at the Victoria Institute on Tarrant Street.

Two large ladders, countless hooks and one well stocked bar later, we were ready to introduce Akin… A creative community hub, a meeting of like-minded people – and a talent pool like no other.

Group chairman Dana Robertson explains, “Through Akin I’ve met highly talented and experienced creative minds in and around Arundel - all of whom share a curiosity about each others’ creative fields and a generosity of spirit in sharing their experiences.” Founder members include brand consultants, graphic designers, illustrators, social media and PR experts, copywriters, artists, textile and jewellery designers, web developers and filmmakers.

Arundel mayor Lucy Ashworth, who joined Akin members at the launch, has welcomed the new group, “Akin will not only add to the reputation of Arundel as a ‘Creative Centre in the South', but will provide many opportunities for work, mentoring and business development in our community.”

Want to find out more? Click here to watch a video of the Akin launch event.