Congratulations to our Woman of the Month for May, Charlie Lewin. Charlie is a textile artist based in St Levan and the main themes that drive her work are social and environmental issues and the expectations on women in society today.

She recently helped Stina Falle curate the wonderful “Women’s Work” exhibition at the Museum of Cornish Life in Helston. An exhibition championing women, which launched in March on International Women's Day. It showcased collaborative work and art by celebrated women from Cornwall and was inspired by Denny Long, alongside two weeks of workshops, talks and making…. highlighting textiles and essential women’s work.

We are delighted that, during June, Charlie will be displaying some of her work including exhibits from Women’s Work at our Women in Word bookshop for visitors to view.

Before this however, Charlie is throwing open the doors of her studio as part of Cornwall's Open Studios event (25th May - 2nd June), where curious visitors will be able to see her intriguing and offbeat hand-felted jugs, vases and images in wool, reclaimed fabrics and found plastic waste decorated with machine embroidery and appliqué.

Which women inspire you and why?

"I am inspired by passionate, articulate politicians. Leaders like Caroline Lucas, Mhairi Black, Jane Goodall. If we would only listen to them, if they weren't criticised for what they wear.

We do not stop to listen to powerful women speakers as a society. In particular, women politicians that have heart at the centre of their work.”

Read our full interview on our website.

We're pleased to announce the full programme for our celebration of Women in Word.

The festival takes place from 5th - 8th June, featuring a festival reading group, in conversation / readings from established and emerging women writers, talks, events and workshops, poetry films by women, networking opportunities, a literary stitch event – and an evening finale in a Georgian ballroom.

See below for the full programme of events, and ticket information. Thanks for your support!

Tickets are on sale now via our festival page

**Buy a whole festival access pass for a 10% discount**

A ticket for all festival events for £73

Pay it Forward - keeping the door open

Inclusivity and accessibility are important to us. Help increase accessibility to arts and community with our Pay It Forward function, for those who may not be able to attend due to cost.

Donators can pay into the Pay It Forward function at any time, there is no need to specify a particular event that you are supporting. The aim is to be able to have enough in the fund to be able to release a number of free tickets per event.

Thank you so much for supporting access to the arts and community – let's all help keep the door open!

We’re supporting a new exhibition at the Hayle Heritage Centre, that launched on 9th April and runs until August, celebrating women in Cornwall. Hayle HerStory specifically looks at the fascinating lives of the women of Hayle whose stories have largely been forgotten, providing an alternative lens through which to view the history of the town. Alongside the exhibition is a programme of workshops, talks, and events.

On 5th June, our very own Maggi Livingstone, Archivist at The Hypatia Trust, is hosting a talk on Elizabeth Carne; Banker, Geologist, Painter, Philanthrophist, who was born in Hayle. If you missed the talk at The Hypatia Trust last year, this is another opportunity to hear about this extraordinary woman. Her biography by Melissa Hardie-Budden is also on sale at the event, and from our online bookshop.

Finally Elizabeth Carne’s book “British Shells” is on display in the exhibition, on loan from Morrab Library.

We will be working with the newly-established Art Centre Penryn and artist Katie Bunnell on a collection of ceramic plates celebrating 50 noteworthy women of Cornwall. The plates will form a permanent collection held at the Art Centre.

The project will work closely with Women in Cornwall, The Hypatia Trust’s online archive documenting the significant contributions women have made to the region. We look forward to working with Katie as this exciting project develops.