Anna FC Smith is a Wigan (UK) based multimedia artist. She has been curating and producing art projects since 2007. Her work explores social history, folk culture and ritual through historical, anthropological and socially engaged research. She creates sculpture, installation, performance, text and group actions that examine power, community and ceremony.

Craig is a freelance artist and designer from the North West with a background in screenprinting and a sharp eye for bold, energetic visuals. He started out designing album covers and gig posters in London’s music scene, and now works across public art, gallery shows, and private commissions. Craig’s clients include interior designers, developers, and collectors, but he’s just as passionate about his community projects — using art to connect with real people and make a lasting difference. His work is all about energy, connection, and bringing creativity into everyday spaces.

Magdalena Kij (known as Maggie Stick or Dj Try) is a Polish multidisciplinary artist based in Wigan with a studio at Rogue Artist's Studios in Manchester. Her multidisciplinary practice explores identity and transformation through performance, drawing, sound, masks, installation and participatory art to engage and provoke the audience. Magdalena has showcased her work in the UK, Poland and Thailand.

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​Formed in 2009 and probably one of the longest established ukulele clubs in the North West, Wigan Ukulele Club has over 80 members. Their performance band usually play around 50 gigs a year. These range from large shows and steam rallies to small church fundraisers and private parties. They enjoy entertaining an audience, playing predominately covers of pop, rock & roll and ballads from the 50’s onwards with a few 1920’s classics and the odd original song. Oh, and there’s usually plenty of good-natured banter to raise a smile as well. All monies that they raise from performance fees and merchandise sales go to charitable causes. Typically they raise around £12,000.00 each year.

Natasha Hawthornthwaite is an award-winning Director/Producer and Co-Founder of Northern Heart Films which won the BBC Small Indie fund in 2024. Natasha was recognised as 'Creative of the Year' at the 2024 Manchester Young Talent Awards, and her recent work includes producing 'Rockall' with Oscar-winning Slick Films, directing 'Finding 'Appiness' (BFI Doc Society) and 'Joy Uncensored.' Her films have screened at BAFTA and BIFA qualifying festivals and she regularly speaks at events like the BFI Film Festival. 

Natasha also mentors under-represented filmmakers through Creative UK's Screen Launchpad programme and is currently developing original documentaries with Northern Heart Films, supported by the BBC Small Indie Fund.

​Clay Club is a weekly ceramics group for those facing barriers to the arts. It offers a space for creative expression, connection, and wellbeing, where a strong sense of community has flourished.

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Clay Club is supported with funding from The National Lottery Community Fund Awards For All.​​

Klaire Doyle is an artist from Wigan who brings creativity to life through fun, experimental techniques! From costume to sculpture and storytelling, she loves to explore all kinds of artistic expressions. With a passion for inspiring others, Klaire has worked globally to spread the joy of art and help people of all backgrounds discover their creative confidence.

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Godfrey Pambalipe has been active in the UK arts sector since 2004, specialising in African storytelling through dance, drumming and singing. He collaborates with international artists to deliver performances and creative workshops that promote cultural exchange and inclusion.

His work focuses on building confidence, self-esteem, and teamwork through the arts, particularly with young people and vulnerable communities. With experience in schools, youth centres, prisons, and refugee camps, Godfrey uses music and movement as powerful tools for expression, learning, and personal development.

Northern Heart is a powerhouse of a film company based in Wigan, which was supported by the BBC Small Indie Fund 2024. Since 2017, the Northern duo Natasha Hawthornthwaite and Scott Bradley have been building a reputation for telling northern stories with heart. This small but mighty company has earned recognition for celebrating people and places across the North and supporting regional working-class talent.

Northern Heart is developing a slate of original productions for broadcasters and streaming platforms while also expanding its talent development programmes to nurture new working-class voices.

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