The first evening’s talk was led by Hannah Corbett, founder of Lancaster Creative Arts, and it set the tone for everything this fair hopes to achieve: connection, honesty, and growth.
Hannah didn’t stand there and present a polished success story. Instead, she offered something far braver: honesty. She shared the ups and downs of her creative career — the rejections, the moments of self-doubt, and the resilience it takes to keep going.
Her openness made the room lean in. We’ve all been there: the funding application that doesn’t come through, the opportunity that falls flat, the feeling that maybe we’re not “enough.” Hearing Hannah speak those truths out loud was both real and inspiring.
My takeaways from her talk:
- Don’t compare your journey. Creativity doesn’t follow a straight line, and comparison is the quickest way to kill momentum.
- Keep showing up. Apply for the grant. Take the opportunity. Even if it doesn’t land, the act of trying keeps the door open.
- Step outside your comfort zone. Growth rarely happens where it feels easy.
- Set boundaries. Protect your time and energy so your creativity can thrive.
- Don’t take rejection personally. A ‘no’ doesn’t define your worth — it’s often just timing or fit.
These lessons hit close to home. As someone who runs workshops, mentors creatives, and is building spaces for playful making, I know how much courage it takes to keep putting yourself out there. Hannah’s words felt like a gentle nudge: keep going. Keep trying. Keep creating.
What I also loved was how her talk reflected something bigger about Lancaster right now. This city is full of hidden creativity — from grassroots makers to established artists — but sometimes it takes an event like this to bring everyone into the same room. Lancaster Art Fair wasn’t just showcasing work; it was nurturing a community where honesty, resilience, and connection matter just as much as the art itself.
As I walked home I realised that’s what makes this event special: it doesn’t just celebrate creativity, it reminds us we’re not doing this alone.
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 find Hannah over at Corbett Ink
Here’s to more honest conversations, shared struggles, and a thriving creative Lancaster. You can read about all the other talks and highlights here