The Clay Haven- Community Pottery Studio, Liskeard

Aim

I am crowdfunding to establish a community pottery studio in Liskeard with open-access, community workshops and affordable retail space.

Hi, I’m Claire — a ceramicist and community arts practitioner — and I’m crowdfunding to bring a brand-new community pottery studio to Liskeard.

I’m hoping to transform a currently vacant retail unit in Liskeard town centre into The Clay Haven, a cosy, creative pottery studio and small retail space designed to support wellbeing, connection and creativity for people in Liskeard and the surrounding area.

My dream is to turn this currently empty retail unit into a warm, welcoming hub where anyone can learn pottery, join creative wellbeing sessions, meet others, and even sell the things they make. I’ll be registering The Clay Haven as a CIC, ensuring that the heart of the project is simple: reinvest into the community, always.

This project will breathe new life into an underused space, offer valuable opportunities for local people, and help strengthen Liskeard’s growing cultural scene — bringing more variety, energy and footfall into the town.

What The Clay Haven Will Offer

A space where everyone feels at ease the moment they walk in.

A fully equipped community pottery studio

• Pottery workshops
• Beginner and progressor courses
• Family sessions
• Open studio time for regular makers

A creative retail area

• Affordable shelf space for local makers
• A chance for people to sell their handmade work
• Support for creative micro-businesses
• A platform for genuine Cornish craftsmanship and heritage

Creative wellbeing activities

I’ll be running friendly, accessible sessions focused on shared creativity, connection and relaxation. These will include grant-funded programmes for people experiencing isolation, mental health challenges, or big transitions in life — making sure cost is never a barrier to taking part.

Community Partnerships

I’m already collaborating with:

• Sacred Kernow, a local women’s circle
• A therapeutic counsellor
• A mother & baby group
• Trevallicks Farm Shop & Tearooms

And I’m continuing to build partnerships with:

• Schools and home-educators
• Social prescribers
• Community groups and charities
• Local wellbeing providers
• Other creative practitioners
  
  

Why Liskeard Needs This Space

Over the past year, I’ve delivered community pottery sessions across Cornwall, and the response has been incredibly moving. People are craving safe, creative spaces where they can slow down, meet others and work with their hands.

To test interest, I asked a simple question in a Liskeard community Facebook group:

“I’m thinking of opening a community pottery studio in Liskeard — would this interest you?”

Within 24 hours:
180 reactions and more than 120 messages asking about workshops, opportunities and collaborations. The idea spread across local noticeboards almost instantly.

Here are just a few of the comments:

“This is so needed… gathering to get creative brings communities together. Today has given me such a boost.” — Lynne, teacher & Liskeard resident

“Claire’s teaching style gave me confidence to explore my creativity. The afternoon was relaxed and fun — a real wellness boost.” — Jennie, workshop participant

“My daughter and I would absolutely love a community pottery here.” — SJ, Liskeard resident

“Warm, friendly, and so relaxing. Nothing is too much trouble.” — Pauline, regular attendee

“It would be terrific to see these refurbished units used for creative studios… enhancing what Liskeard offers.” — Daniel Sturrock, Workshed Workspace Manager

There’s a real and growing need for a space like this — one that’s accessible, friendly and open to everyone, whatever their experience or ability.

About Me

I’m Claire Menear, a ceramicist and community arts practitioner inspired by Cornwall’s landscapes and clay heritage. After years in nursing and social care, and following my own experience of managing bipolar disorder, I found that creative practice became a vital part of my wellbeing. That discovery is what shapes everything I do — gentle, supportive teaching rooted in inclusion and kindness.

I’ve worked in advocacy and community support roles, have strong safeguarding experience, and currently deliver The Cornish Clay Trail, a public arts project funded by Arts Council England.

I’ve invested my income into building a fully functioning pottery studio. Until now I’ve worked from my home in St Austell, but demand has outgrown the space — and it’s time for a dedicated, community-centred home. All equipment is ready to move, meaning the studio can open without a large capital spend.

If you’d like to help bring The Clay Haven to life — a creative, calming, inclusive space for Liskeard — your support means the world.

What your investment will be used for:

Breakdown of the £3,000 Initial Investment

Here’s where the first £3,000 will go — all the essentials to get The Clay Haven open, safe, and ready for the community.

1. Studio Setup & Renovation — £1,000

• Painting & decorating
• Sink Installation
• Basic shelving, tables, stools
• Wall fixings for tile display
• Signage + accessibility improvements

2. Equipment & Tools — £800

(I already own the big equipment, so this is topping up essentials.)

• Clay tools + bats + boards
• Aprons & splash protection
• Storage for makers’ work
• Glazes, slips & underglazes
• Initial clay stock for workshops

3. Kiln Installation & Safety — £400

• Ventilation improvements
• Electrical check / kiln servicing
• Fire safety equipment
• PAT testing and safety sign-off

4. Insurance, Registration & Admin — £300

• CIC registration
• Public liability & indemnity insurance
• Accounting support for setup

5. Marketing & Community Launch — £200

• Printed posters & flyers
• Launch event materials
• Website/booking setup costs

6. Legal costs — £300

Thank you SO MUCH for becoming a founding member of this community space. Your support will continue to improve the wellbeing of our community for years to come.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made