Newark Art Gallery & Studio to host Wine and Words event

A new arts event launching this month aims to tackle loneliness, promote inclusion and inspire creativity by bringing people together.

Wine and Words, co-organised by Emma Oldham and David Moore, will take place on Thursday, August 29, at the Newark Art Gallery & Studio on Kirkgate, Newark.

The evening invites guests to enjoy a glass of wine while exploring artworks on display in the gallery, and then they will be encouraged to write a short creative response to any piece that speaks to them — and optionally share it aloud with the group.

David Moore said: “It’s just bringing people together.

“People with similar interests who want to come and have an enjoyable evening without feeling embarrassed.”

Tickets cost £10 and include a glass of wine, and attendees are encouraged to bring a notebook, tablet or phone to write on.

The event is informal and accessible to all, with no prior writing or art experience required.

David, who runs the gallery, said the aim is to build connections between creative people in the town and beyond.

He added: “We’re all artistic one way or the other, even if we don’t think we are.

“Some people say, ‘I couldn’t do a stick man’ but we all have that creativity inside us somewhere.”

Although the event is a new format, it builds on previous collaborations between Newark artists and writers.

“We did an event with Newark Art Group and some of the Fosway Writers, they had never heard of each other before and I just thought, come on, talk to each other!”

He hopes the event will not only foster friendships and collaboration but also help residents feel part of the wider community.

“There are so many people who don’t feel included or don’t feel safe,” he said.

“The more people are left to live in isolation like that from a young age, the bigger the problem gets later in life.”

“These kinds of social events help pull people together and bring them into safe spaces. That’s what matters.”

The gallery has become an increasingly active community space under David’s guidance, welcoming sixth formers and young artists, and working with local groups to expand opportunities for creativity.

“I just believe that we need to get people, drag them out of their shells artistically. Be it writing, painting, singing, making violins — whatever it is.”

If successful, the team plans to host more Wine and Words evenings in the future.

Wine and Words is open to anyone aged 18 and over.