Inspire Buttermarket offers ‘oasis’ of learning in Newark town centre
A lively learning hub has gone from strength to strength since opening just over two years ago.
Inspire Buttermarket, in Newark town centre, offers an ever-changing programme of short courses alongside a core offer of essential qualifications in maths, English, digital skills and ESOL (English for speakers of other languages).
Alongside Inspire Newark Library, it is said to have become a trailblazer for inspiring cultural and learning activities across the county.
Ellie Doherty is currently taking part in Inspire’s New Year, New Poems course, and said, “I love the feeling of inclusion and helpfulness here at Inspire — the Buttermarket is a little oasis of learning.”
Another learner, on the Nature Journalling course, added: “I’m already documenting my walks and outings and plan to continue for the rest of the year. Journalling is a great help to improve my drawing skills. I’m really enjoying it.”
Current and upcoming courses at the Buttermarket include art for beginners, Nottinghamshire’s history, book making, word processing, bobbin lace, drawing for beginners in pen, conversational French, AI (ChatGPT) for meal planning, handsewn felt projects, machine sewing for beginners, computer and internet basics and map reading made easy, among others.
Taking part in courses can help learners reduce anxiety and make new friends, learn new skills, improve their maths and English, or to build up their knowledge and confidence to get back out into the job market.
Originally opened to cater for adults aged 19 and up, the Buttermarket has expanded its offer to include a music hub for children, young people and adults.
On Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings the Inspire Music team offer a range of creative opportunities.
The Inspirations Junior Choir is for children from Nottinghamshire schools who are eight to 13 years old, and is an inclusive, mixed group choir with no auditions necessary.
Young people can also get involved in the Musicians Collective or the Inspirational Music school for wind and brass players to develop their musical skills.
There’s also the Rediscovered Voices choir which allows adults to meet to enjoy singing with others and make new friends — with recital opportunities including performing at the Inspire Christmas Concert at Nottingham Concert Hall — and evening guitar lessons for adults.
Alongside Inspire’s learning provision, the Buttermarket space is also used by other organisations to host a range of workshops, regular classes, training and performances.
The team also frquently gets involved with town events — offering free sessions as part of Newark Book Festival, Newark Festival, the Festival of Creativity and more.
