There’s just five days to go until our Bring It 2020 crowdfunding campaign ends – and we would like to invite you to celebrate the launch of The Trove Cambridge’s business venture with us online this weekend, Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March 2020, over on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Our plans to host a launch party were quickly put on hold when local events across the county started to be cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. We hope to plan an in-person launch event later this year – but in the meantime we are taking the party online and we would love for you to join us!

On Saturday and Sunday we will be running our virtual launch weekender across our social media channels. Over on Instagram stories we will be sharing content in collaboration with our #WeAreCambsCreatives members and we have prepared the templates below so that you can join in too! You can access and download all of the template files on Dropbox here – make sure you tag @thetrove_cambridge so that we can re-post:

We will also be posting prompts on both Facebook and Twitter, where you can join in by sharing your response and photos in the comments or as a response to the thread. You don’t have to be a member to join in – it would be great to see as many local residents, artists, designers, makers, small businesses and local creative organisations from across Cambridgeshire joining in as possible!

Not from Cambridgeshire but would like to take part? We invite you to join in the discussion – comment, like and share the posts – and we hope you discover more about The Trove Cambridge and our fantastic local creative scene.

There will also be a Quiz on Sunday at 1pm! We have questions about Cambridgeshire, local public artworks and a few general knowledge questions in there too. You can send your answers to us via direct message on Facebook and Twitter – or join in over on Instagram stories.

There are prizes on offer for entries with the most correct answers and we will be randomly selecting five winners on Wednesday 1st April 2020 who will be sent a selection of products from our ‘Books & Bikes’ themed rewards. Winners will be contacted that day by direct message to claim their prize. Please note that this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social network.

We look forward to “seeing” you this weekend and if you have any questions please do get in touch! Be sure to RSVP to the Facebook event here – we will be posting updates in the lead up to the weekender.

You can read about our crowdfunding campaign and ongoing projects in the Cambridge Edition article that was published this morning – and head over to our Back Her Business page to pledge your support here.

The Trove Cambridge aims to provide an inclusive and supportive network for local creatives and creative organisations across Cambridgeshire through an affordable membership scheme. Save 50% on 2020 Membership Fees by signing up through our #BringIt2020 crowdfunding campaign!

#WeAreCambsCreatives is a forward-thinking collective of creative individuals, groups and organisations from across Cambridgeshire, UK. Membership is available to individuals who are residents of and groups or organisations based in Cambridgeshire (including Peterborough) – as well as those just across the border with a CB or PE postcode.

We are inclusive of professionals, side-hustlers and hobbyists looking to promote their work and services. We welcome new and established members – from yarn-bombers to fine artists.

Take advantage of our exclusive offer only available to new members through our crowdfunding project if you pledge before 1pm on Monday 30th March 2020. Sign-up today for 12 months membership at just £30* – saving 50% on 2020 Membership Fees. You will receive your membership pack by Thursday 30th April 2020*  and your membership will go live on 1st May 2020.

*Due to the current uncertainties with COVID-19 there may be a slight delay in posting out membership packs and we will keep you updated regularly. We have also added an option to pay your £30 fee in two instalments – if you choose this option then you can pay just £15 upfront today. You will then be invoiced for the final instalment on 1st July 2020.

Member benefits include: a member profile integrated into our website – see an example here; a welcome pack; social media promotion; content collaboration opportunities and priority access to networking events organised by The Trove Cambridge​.

This week we announced a collaboration with marketing consultancy The Creative Strides who we are pleased to be welcoming on board as a community partner. #WeAreCambsCreatives members can access exclusive offers through their membership including a range of discounted services from our partners.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_qn_FJ2oe/

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Active members will also be added to a directory listing in our #CambsCreativeScene magazine launching in 2020. We are excited to be working on this project with one of our members – Cambridge-based illustrator, graphic designer and printmaker Dario Fisher.

We anticipate a production of between 2,000 and 10,000 copies of the first issue launching in June 2020 – which will be distributed to the public and businesses across the county!

Members are invited to join our private Facebook group where we will keep you updated throughout your membership and let you know about opportunities and events. We encourage you to get to know other #WACC members and get involved in the weekly threads. You will also receive access to inspiring content and tips for promoting your work across social media.

Follow our @WeAreCambsCreatives account on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4uSMAJp0fb/

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Are you interested in joining the collective? You can find out more about our membership offer here including member profile requirements – and sign-up today through our crowdfunding project here! If you have any questions please do get in touch.

Through our Bring It 2020 crowdfunding project we have launched a limited edition Treasures Box which is themed ‘Books & Bikes’ – a lovingly curated gift box featuring high quality prints and products from five local artists. A celebration of our beautiful city Cambridge, this box is available to buy for £40 (including p&p) until 1pm on Monday 30th March 2020.

By buying a box you will be supporting both the launch of our business venture and the artists themselves, with a proportion of your pledge going directly to the contributors; Naomi Davies, Alison Hullyer, Snowtap, Maureen Mace and Lily In Space.

Funds from the crowdfunding campaign will support an ongoing project to support local artists, designers and makers from across Cambridgeshire through the launch of an online shop.

You can also find the ‘Books’ Treasures Bundle or ‘Bikes’ Treasures Bundle reward options which are available to backers for just £25 (including p&p) – find out what prints and products are included here.

‘Books & Bikes’ Treasures Box

WHAT’S INSIDE THE BOX?

– 1 x A6 ‘Bridge Street Bike’ Greetings Card by Alison Hullyer

– 1 x A6 ‘Tree of Knowledge’ Greetings Card by Maureen Mace

– 1 x ‘Book Badger’ Wooden Pin by Lily In Space

– 1 x ‘Bikes’ Tea Towel by Alison Hullyer

– 1 x Coaster by Naomi Davies – Various Designs

– 1 x A5 ‘Blue Tits in the Library’ Print by Lily In Space

– 1 x A4 ‘Snow Leopard Reading’ Print by Snowtap

MEET THE ARTISTS

“Born and bred in Cambridge, only straying to Newcastle for my degree in Graphic Design, I now work full time as a professional printmaker and illustrator. My work is inspired by patterns in nature such as skeletal winter trees, pebbles, seed heads and the birds I see on my daily dog walks. I also incorporate chine-collé, silver leaf and relief printing into some of my drypoint prints. I have a range of cards, coasters and tea towels which I supply to many shops, including Anglesey Abbey, Houghton Mill and Wicken Fen.” — ALISON HULLYER

“In early 2016, whilst having a catch-up coffee in Kings Cross, the idea to form a collaborative venture and work for ourselves came about. Less than a month later, we took the plunge and launched Snowtap in Cambridge with two greeting cards. We now have over 60 card designs and are stocked in shops across the UK. We sell our original illustrations at markets and fairs throughout the year, including the All Saints Craft Market in Cambridge every Saturday, and work on bespoke projects for people all over the world. Specialising in watercolour and gouache, line drawing, printmaking and collage, together we create whimsical illustrations, handmade coasters, cards and screen printed apparel, all inspired by the extraordinary natural world.” — SNOWTAP

“I live in Cambridge and spend my time painting and teaching art in my studio. I feel very lucky to be able to pursue my dream and love welcoming people to see my paintings and to inspire others to paint. You can find out about my tuition over at Cambridge Art Classes. The beautiful historic city of Cambridge full of cows, scholars and learning is a huge influence in my work. I add rich night skies, a shining moon, a taste of Medieval Art and this forms the basis for my intricate, detailed, dream like paintings full of stories. The results are magical and slightly surreal.” — MAUREEN MACE

“Drawing has been a compulsion and a comfort all my life. I had an unusual childhood travelling the world, and drawing was my constant. Once I moved to Cambridge to study history when I was 18, I knew I had finally found my home. Most of my drawing and painting celebrates the beautiful city I feel so lucky to live in. I generally work in pen. I like concise lines and like to record what I see, not what I want to see. It’s there, and my fingers start itching to record it. I think that’s the historian in me. I then use watercolour to add colour and vibrancy to my lines.” — NAOMI DAVIES

“I’ve been a Cambridgeshire-dweller from the start, having spent the first 18 years of my life in Peterborough. I then spent five years studying for my Physics degree in York, where I decided to set up a small business to keep myself creatively fulfilled during her 3rd year. Not one to stay out of Cambridgeshire for long, I decided to return to the county after graduating, and I now work as a physics consultant in Cambridge. I run my business in my free time, and I love how varied my life has become!” — LILY IN SPACE

#CambsCreativeTreasures

In 2014 we started to use and promote the hashtag #CambsCreativeTreasures on Instagram which has just hit an incredible 10,000 shares! It has been amazing to see hundreds of local creatives and creative organisations from across the county joining in and sharing their work and discoveries with us.

To celebrate hitting this milestone we are running a competition. If you become a backer of this project and pledge any amount from £1 you will be entered for the chance to win a bundle of our new merchandise – find out more here.

Stephanie Stott, founder of Cambridgeshire’s online creative hub is crowdfunding to launch The Trove Cambridge as a business venture through which she aims to better connect local creatives, creative organisations and the community.

Stephanie has been developing The Trove Cambridge over the last six years and through a very exciting opportunity with Natwest and Crowdfunder as part of their Back Her Business campaign and Bring It 2020 competition she is on her way to realising her dream career.

What started out as a personal blog is now an alternative platform to showcase the work and services of local creatives and creative organisations across the county.

Stephanie invites you to explore Cambridgeshire’s creative scene – whether you are looking to sign up for a creative workshop, attend an upcoming exhibition, find a printing or framing service, or buy a gift from a local artisan, The Trove Cambridge aims to help you find what it is you are looking for and to spark your curiosity.

After a very successful start, raising 50% of her initial crowdfunding target in just the first week, Stephanie is creating a buzz in the local community – with support from local artists, designers, makers, businesses and residents across Cambridgeshire:

“Since [Stephanie] first introduced [herself] to me at one of my open studio events a few years ago, [she has] been such a wonderful ambassador and support to our growing community.” — Sue Rapley, Local Artist/Member of #WeAreCambsCreatives

“What [Stephanie’s] doing enriches the community and showcases so many amazing artists that would otherwise go unseen.” — Stephanie Brown, Cambridgeshire Resident

“Empowering small business is the future. It is tough being a small business owner and what Stephanie from the Trove Cambridge is doing is so exciting, allowing us small businesses to flourish. Thank you Stephanie for taking this giant leap.” — Nadia Williams, Owner of Rosa May Crafts/Member of #WeAreCambsCreatives

“Love everything [Stephanie does] – an excellent business idea that supports other amazing businesses.” — Charlotte Steggall, Local Resident/Founder of The Ganburu Guide

Through the crowdfunding project Stephanie has launched a limited edition Treasures Box which is themed ‘Books & Bikes’ – a lovingly curated gift box featuring high quality prints and products from local artists; Naomi Davies, Alison Hullyer, Snowtap, Maureen Mace and Lily In Space. A celebration of our beautiful city Cambridge, this box is available to buy for £40.

Funds from the campaign will support an ongoing project to support local artists, designers and makers from across Cambridgeshire through the launch of an online shop.

The Trove Cambridge has also launched a new membership offer inviting local creatives and creative organisations to join their #WeAreCambsCreatives collective.

#WeAreCambsCreatives is a supportive and inclusive community of professionals, side-hustlers and hobbyists looking to promote their work and services. The Trove Cambridge welcomes new and established members, from yarn-bombers to fine artists.

Stephanie is seeking support from local business sponsors to enable her to launch the first issue of #CambsCreativeScene – a magazine which will be distributed to the public and local businesses from June 2020. She is working alongside local illustrator, graphic designer and printmaker Dario Fisher to bring this publication to life.

Although she has now achieved over 70% of her initial funding target, Stephanie is hoping to raise at least £5,000 by 1pm on Monday 30th March 2020 to support a number of ongoing projects which will not only provide benefits to the local creative community but the wider Cambridgeshire community too.

As part of Natwest’s Bring It 2020 competition she is also in for the chance of winning a prize of £10,000 to invest in this business venture. You can support this crowdfunding project by donating any amount (from just £1) or selecting from one of the fantastic rewards available.