Sharing events are a fantastic way to foster community, encourage sustainability, and strengthen networks within the creative sector. Circular Arts Network (CAN) has hosted many successful sharing events, and now we want to empower you—students, third-sector organisations, and community groups—to run your own. This guide outlines how you can set up a sharing event, what makes them successful, and how CAN can support you.
A sharing event is a community-driven initiative where artists, makers, and organisations come together to exchange materials, tools, and resources. These events help redistribute surplus materials, reduce waste, and promote circular economy principles.
Sharing events can take place in studios, community centres, universities, or other public spaces. The goal is to make use of resources efficiently while building connections between creative practitioners.
- Support sustainability: Reduce waste by finding new homes for materials.
- Strengthen community ties: Connect with other artists and makers.
- Encourage creative reuse: Inspire others to think about materials differently.
- Make resources more accessible: Help distribute useful supplies to those who need them.
Step 1: Find a Suitable Venue
- Identify a space that is accessible, has enough room for tables or display areas, and allows for easy transport of materials.
- Community halls, art schools, studios, or libraries are great options.
Step 2: Gather Materials
- Invite participants to bring materials they no longer need.
- You can also source materials in advance from local organisations, workshops, or CAN listings.
- Organise materials by type (e.g., paper, textiles, tools) for easy browsing.
Step 3: Promote Your Event
- Use social media, mailing lists, and posters to spread the word.
- Partner with local organisations to reach a wider audience.
- Make sure to clearly communicate what materials are welcome and how people can participate.
Step 4: Set Up the Space
- Arrange tables or areas by material type.
- Consider having a drop-off station for incoming materials.
- Have volunteers or organisers on hand to answer questions and keep things running smoothly.
Step 5: Host the Event
- Welcome participants and explain how the sharing works.
- Encourage conversations about materials and creative reuse.
- Consider taking photos or documenting the event to share online.
Step 6: Wrap Up and Share the Impact
- Gather feedback from participants.
- Any leftover materials can be listed on the CAN platform or donated to relevant organisations.
- Share your event’s success on social media to inspire others.
While CAN won’t always be present at these events, we can provide guidance and resources to help make your event a success:
- Promotion: We can help amplify your event through our networks.
- Advice on planning: Reach out for tips on logistics and engagement.
- Connections: We can suggest potential partners or venues if needed.
If your community is in a remote area, you may be able to arrange for the CAN Van to bring materials directly to you. This mobile sharing initiative allows us to reach regions where access to creative resources is limited.
We encourage organisers to document and share their event’s impact. Whether through blog posts, social media, or contributions to CAN’s website, showcasing your event can inspire others to organise their own.
Building Partnerships & Increasing Engagement
When planning a sharing event, consider collaborating with other organisations in your local area that share similar values or have overlapping remits. Partnering with a community group, arts organisation, or sustainability initiative can help expand your reach and increase participation.
Another effective approach is to piggyback on existing events—such as member meetings, community gatherings, or festivals—where there’s already an engaged audience. Positioning a sharing event as a supplement to something already happening, or enhancing it with additional activities like creative workshops or food sharing, makes the event more enticing and encourages people to stay longer.
Alternative Transport & Expanding Reach
Beyond the CAN Van model, organisers could explore setting up a network of local hubs, where materials could be collected and redistributed on a rolling basis. This could allow for a DIY touring format, where resources are moved between different locations by multiple organisers.
For smaller-scale sharing events or inner-city areas, a cargo bike could be a great way to transport materials, reducing the need for vehicle hire and keeping the event lightweight and flexible. Cargo bikes could also be used to deliver materials to those who can’t attend in person or to collect donations from contributors nearby.
CAN Sharing event at GOMA, Glasgow.
CAN Van sharing event in Kirkcudbright, Scotland.
Share in the Yard at Rumpus Room, Glasgow.