The Butterfly Bush Effect

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The Butterfly Bush Effect

Stoke-on-Trent

2025

The Butterfly Bush Effect brought local people together with ACAVA artists at Spode Works Studios, Stoke-on-Trent, to explore the site’s industrial heritage and changing environment through creativity.

Over several weeks in 2025, resident artists Charne Visser, Joyce Iwaszko, Natasha Mchugh, and Nadine Wilde led hands-on workshops in drawing, printing, dyeing, painting, embroidery, and collage. Participants worked directly with artists to reflect on Stoke Town’s history and ecology, contributing to a collaborative exhibition across the Spode site and Spode Museum.

Local filmmaker Joe Brennan documented the project, capturing workshops, artworks, and community engagement in a new short film, now available to view.

The programme was developed in partnership with Spode Museum and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, as part of the Stoke High Street Accelerator pilot, funded by the UK Government.

Project partners and supporters

The Butterfly Bush Effect is a collaboration between ACAVA Studios, Spode Museum, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Supported by the Stoke High Street Accelerator pilot, funded by the UK Government via the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

This project has been made possible by individual donors and Stoke Creates through the Big Give Arts for Impact campaign.

Programme events

Community exhibition at Spode Works Studios

The Butterfly Bush Effect exhibition at ACAVA Spode Works Studios showcases community artwork created during artist-led workshops in Stoke-on-Trent. On view from 27 June to 11 ...

Spode Works creative workshops

Free workshops led by ACAVA artists at Spode Works Studios, Stoke-on-Trent, as part of The Butterfly Bush Effect. Free creative sessions exploring art, ecology, and local ...