Art shaped by woodland and wellbeing
A secluded weekend, woodland artist retreat rooted in sustainable making, seasonal rhythms, and mindful living.
The Retreat
SunStead is an intimate, self-directed creative weekend retreat focused on bringing artists of all mediums together to create work in response to nature in the foothills of the Pennines, Lancashire, through art workshops, discussion, shared meals, and reflective creative time.
Whether your practice moves through visual arts, sound, performance, writing, filmmaking, or other mediums, we welcome all. We welcome artists wanting to expand their practice, particularly work rooted or interested in nature, place, and a desire to engage more deeply with the world and others.
The retreat is to be held throughout the year in line with the Pagan Wheel of the Year to allow us to be more in sync with producing work in response to what's around us.
This is not a taught course, and there is no expectation to produce finished work, only to engage with process, the place and other artists.
The Space
An octagonal wooden roundhouse heated by a wood burner sits in a peaceful private woodland of 2.2 acres. We have a Celtic tree circle, a Japanese inspired moss garden, small mammals, sunsets and lunar evenings. The outdoor wood-fired hot-tub, sauna and fires, are the perfect places to relax and be creatively inspired.
We have capacity for 6 - 12 participants - double rooms available. Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate and personal.
Moorland and woodland walks can be accessed in the surrounding area, along with the historical market town of Accrington. Being 45min by train to Manchester and the centre point of the UK makes it a unique spot to welcome a variety of artists. Haworth Art Gallery, with the largest European collection of Tiffany glass, and The Accrington Dome, can all be easily accessed for further inspiration.
Gallery - The Space
What does a weekend look like?
SunStead is designed as a supportive environment to be mindful of your practice, work independently or collaboratively and develop ideas. We provide a balance between a guided workshop and uninterrupted personal time to help you step out of your daily routine and focus your energy on creating, reflecting and finding inspiration.
Friday
- Arrival and informal introductions - lets get to know each other and share our experiences
- 1 meal
- Optional outdoor fire
- People are welcome to use the sauna/hot tub this evening
Saturday
- Independent making time in the private woodland or indoor space
- A creative workshop chosen collectively (there are options to book a second workshop)
- 2 meals - wholesome, vegetarian home-made food
- Informal group discussion/critique in the evening
- People are welcome to use the sauna/hot tub this evening
Sunday
- Morning work and reflection
- 1 meal
- Final informal sharing
Meet our Workshop Facilitators
Workshops are designed to support local, skilled working practitioners.
Kathryn Monks
Queen of Sheba
- Sculpture/Stained Glass
- Painting
- Jewellery
Derek Ashcroft
The Hollow Turner
- Spoon and Bowl Carving
- Pole Lathe Expert
Chantelle Barrow
Chantelle Barrow
- Singer Songwriter
- Music Therapy
- Drumming
Harry Paterson
Red Earth Road Film Productions
- Script-writing
- Acting
Jessica-Jayne
Jessica Jayne Designs
- Lino Printing
Jasmine Wilkinson
Jasmine Wilkinson Photography
- Cyanotypes
Dani Tasker
Forest Footprints Wellbeing
- Forest Bathing
- Yoga
- Sound Baths
Workshops to Choose From
- Residents can choose one afternoon workshop from one of the above facilitators included in the price, depending on their availability.
- We want it to be a shared decision in what workshop takes place during your retreat, so it will be a majority vote and optional to attend.
- The workshop will reflect the time of year.
Add an additional workshops for £75 each.
Gallery - Nature
The land and surrounding areas to explore, love and reflect.
Prices
| Private King Cabin Room | Price |
|---|---|
| Individual | £500 |
| Couple | £700 |
| Shared Dorm Space (4) | Price |
|---|---|
| Individual | £300 |
| Double Bed in a Shared Caravan Space (2 double beds) | Price |
|---|---|
| Individual | £350 |
| Couple | £600 |
* When applying please confirm which room you would like. We recommend booking with a friend for a double room or book a dorm space if you are solo and you will share with other guests.
The Cost Covers:
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Two nights accommodation (private and shared room options available).
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Wholesome, home-made vegetarian catered food *.
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One workshop led by skilled artist*.
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Access to outdoor wood-fired hot tub and sauna.
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Access to shared indoor space.
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Access to the surrounding natural environment on private land of 2.2 acres (10,000m2).
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Basic creative materials and shared resources will be available*.
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Fully equipped kitchen.
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Shared bathroom and a composting toilet.
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Small group setting and optional critical group discussions.
*Workshop is to be decided as a collective.
*Breakfast and dinner provided on Saturday. Friday and Sunday includes 1 meal each day. Herbal/Tea, coffee and water provided all weekend. Does NOT include snacks, other drinks, or lunch.
*Participants are encouraged to bring any materials specific to their own practice. It will include paper, pens and some textiles.
*If a resident would prefer to camp, or attend the residency in a camper van, please get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
The private space has been created with a focus on protecting and living within the environment, and reflecting in our private natural Celtic tree-circle.
Contact
Opening Hours
Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am - 2pm
Contact
077 34635 845
sunsteadretreat@gmail.com
Dicky's Meadow
The Octagon
Accrington
Socials
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