Banks Mill Open Studios: A Living Snapshot of Derby’s Creative Community

Banks Mill opened its doors in Derby last weekend, offering a vibrant and genuinely inspiring chance to explore one of the city’s most important creative hubs. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed and encouraged to wander freely through this amazing place – a building overflowing with art, energy and the kind of community spirit that only a true creative ecosystem can generate.

Banks Mill remains one of the few dedicated spaces in Derby where artists, makers and creative businesses can develop, collaborate and grow. It’s a thriving environment for students, recent graduates and emerging makers who need space, guidance and community to excel in their field. Walking inside, I was surrounded instantly by paintings, prints, textiles, graphics and displays that turned every corridor into its own gallery.

Downstairs, the print rooms were buzzing. One of the rooms housed a large and well-loved Intaglio press – still the most used in the studio – alongside printed tote bags, notebooks and other handmade items available to purchase. It’s the kind of place where you can find something unique and bespoke, all while supporting local artists directly.

As I explored all the floors, I was genuinely amazed by the sheer range of work happening inside Banks Mill. One moment I was speaking to artists working in traditional mediums; the next I was watching textile work, stained glass, printing, music therapy, film composition, illustration, ceramics, tattooing, upcycling, soap making and even furniture restoration. The building really does showcase the full spectrum of Derby’s creative scene in all its forms.

It was also brilliant to reconnect with familiar faces. I caught up with Zaza Lewis, Venus Behjati and Dani Bello – all previously featured in our Artist Focus series – and seeing them in their working environment felt like seeing their stories come full circle. Surrounded by their materials, tools and fellow artists, they were clearly in their element, thriving as part of this close-knit community.

I also chatted with Ken from the Melbourne Soap Company, watching artisan soaps being crafted in a room that smelled incredible. The theme of creativity as therapy came through strongly during the day. Dani Bello’s Bello Mind and Soul space offers people the chance to explore trauma and personal stories through art, and Bex’s Between the Notes: Music Service provides a powerful music therapy programme designed to encourage expression and emotional growth.

The affiliate members brought even more depth to the experience. I had a fantastic conversation with Sarah Perkins, who specialises in animal and pet portraiture, and Alison from Little Ivy Designs, whose beautifully upcycled furniture and ornamental pieces were a standout. Speaking in depth with Ed Heron about his artwork was another real highlight – a reminder of the passion and dedication that lives within these walls. I also met Pip Fox, an artist and tattooist working directly from Banks Mill, further proving the diversity of creative practices happening here on any given day.

If anything, the open studios illustrated just how wide Derby’s artistic landscape truly is. Under one roof you’ll find fabric printing and clothing, hand-crafted soaps, printmaking, tattoo artistry, ceramics, illustration, embroidery, animation, design, therapeutic arts, music and so much more. It’s a micro-city of creativity – multi-genre, multi-disciplinary and rich with talent.

There is so much to see at Banks Mill when the studios open to the public, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. If you want to understand Derby’s cultural identity – its creativity, its community, its ambition and its future – go along next time the doors open. You’ll discover a side of the city that’s bursting with life, originality and artistic excellence.

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