As part of the Lancaster Art Fair 2025 programme, I joined a talk by Dr. Alan Morris, co-founder of Assembly Arts.
For those who don’t know, Assembly Arts is a Lancaster-based creative hub that supports artists through exhibitions, events, and professional development opportunities. At its heart is the motto: “creativity takes courage” and that phrase ran like a thread through Alan’s talk — a reminder that being a creative is about more than making work; it’s about resilience, values, and connection.
Alan was strikingly open about his own journey. He didn’t sugar-coat it or present polished “success stories.” Instead, he spoke honestly about the realities of professional development as an artist: the challenges, the choices, and the ongoing need to stay true to what matters most.
Key Takeaways from Alan’s Talk
1. Everyone’s Journey is Different
The creative path isn’t linear. Some people move quickly; others take the long way round. Alan’s advice was to stop measuring yourself against others and start defining your own markers of progress.
2. Challenge Yourself in Your Art
Growth doesn’t happen in the safe zone. Alan urged artists to deliberately stretch their practice, to take risks, and to keep evolving.
A question I asked myself – What would it look like to push myself one step beyond my current comfort zone?
3. Values Before Style
Perhaps the most thought-provoking idea was this: focus less on “finding your style” and more on “knowing your values.” Your values will anchor your work no matter what it looks on the surface.
Instead of chasing a “signature style,” start by clarifying your values. Style can shift and evolve, but values are what ground your work and give it meaning.
I’m asking myself: What three values do I want my practice to stand for?
4. People Buy the Artist, Not Just the Art
Alan also reminded us that audiences connect with the story behind the work. Sharing your journey makes your art more relatable and memorable.
5. Creativity Relies on Community
“Art relies on communities and relationships,” Alan said. Assembly Arts itself is a perfect example: a collective that proves creative ecosystems thrive when artists support and collaborate with one another.
Alan’s talk reinforced the idea that being a creative is as much about who you are and what you stand for as it is about the work you produce. In the end, creativity does take courage — courage to challenge yourself, to stay true to your values, and to build communities where art can flourish.
Lancaster Art Fair 2025 has finished, but the inspiration doesn’t have to stop! You can catch videos of the talks and highlights on their Facebook page, Instagram, the Lancaster Art Fair website, and go and explore Assembly Arts — meet the co-founders, see the resident artists, dive into their workshops, and read their inspiring story.
Here’s to more honest conversations, shared struggles, and a thriving creative Lancaster. You can read about all the other talks and highlights here