We’re here to champion creatives.
We believe the future for Artists, Designers and Makers is blossoming and we want to see them thrive.
Artful Collective — championing regional artists and makers, and celebrating visual art and craft across the South.
Artful Collective is a creative network dedicated to supporting and showcasing regional artists, 2D practitioners, and makers working across visual arts and contemporary craft. We create opportunities for artists and makers to connect, share their work, and reach new audiences, while celebrating the richness and diversity of creative practice across the South of England.
Through curated events, exhibitions and collaborative projects, we bring together artists, makers, collectors, organisations, and local communities who value creativity, craftsmanship, and original work. Our approach is supportive and rooted in the belief that strong creative networks help artists and makers thrive.
Alongside our public programmes, Artful Collective also designs and delivers creative workshops for businesses, organisations, and community groups. These workshops are available both online and in person, offering engaging, hands-on experiences that encourage creativity, collaboration, and wellbeing.
At its core, Artful Collective exists to champion regional creativity, support sustainable creative careers, and strengthen connections between art, makers, and community.
Our Story
Artful Collective launched in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. We had already run a couple of pop up events and workshops prior to this, beginning with with our first pop up at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Hampshire. Our first event was held in response to a call from local artists for a new platform to sell their work, following the closure of Rum’s Eg Gallery, Romsey in 2018.
Through organising these events we started to develop our community of regional artists and makers. During the pandemic we adapted and developed our model to continue supporting them, launching a charity art competition, online gift directory and our artist membership. In September 2020 we became a Community Interest Company. Our mission is to champion & enable professional artists and makers in our region to thrive.
Rebecca Maddox, one of Artful Collective’s founders, has since stepped away from the organisation but continues to support and champion our work.
We now continue to provide opportunities for artists in our community to exhibit, sell and teach. We offer professional development opportunities and opportunities to share resources and skills. We’re establishing connections with schools, businesses and other organisations who want to connect with artists. We are primarily based in the UK counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire & Dorset.
Meet the Team
Georgina and Elizabeth are the founders of Artful Collective, united by a shared passion for art, creativity and community. With backgrounds in the creative world, they are dedicated to supporting artists and makers by creating an inclusive, welcoming space where creativity can thrive and meaningful connections are made.
Georgina Ettridge
Director
Georgina Ettridge is an award-winning jeweller best known for her distinctive leaf designs inspired by the natural beauty of the New Forest. After graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Three Dimensional Design, she established her jewellery business in 1999. Since then, Georgina has supplied galleries and high street retailers across the UK and now focuses primarily on creating bespoke, handcrafted pieces. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, nature and thoughtful design, values she brings to her role at Artful Collective.
Elizabeth Hammond
Director
Elizabeth is a Visual Artist who uses drawing as her primary practice to investigate her incongruous ideas about animals and domestic objects. Through these compositions, a provoking and unusual narrative is created for the viewer. She completed her MA in Visual Art at Curtin University at the end of 2008 and has exhibited internationally. An instinctive educator Elizabeth loves teaching all ages and is passionate about providing creative opportunities for all.
Our Values
Quality
Artful Collective represents the very best in art and craft made locally. Our curated approach allows artists the space to stand out and makes it easy for people to find handmade products and experiences of the highest standard.
Opportunity
Our raison d'être is to seek out and provide opportunities for artisans to exhibit, sell , teach, learn, inspire and be inspired! We have the privilege of working with both emerging and established creatives and sharing in their creative business journey.
Collaboration
We love to collaborate, whether that means combining forces to work on a joint project, sharing skills or resources, or mutual promotion. Our creative community and networking events provide an opportunity for artists to connect and collaborate.
Discovery
We aspire to upskill, try new things, read more, listen more and share what we gain along the way. Discovery also plays out through our activities , from unearthing creativity through workshops to helping people discover new artists and makers.
Authenticity
We appreciate the handmade. The personal touch. Storytelling. Mistakes. Honesty. Authenticity also applies to the way we work with our clients and community - with honesty, integrity and professionalism.