The Turnpike CIC began its Activations programme in June 2019. Designed to connect artists to communities to test new approaches towards social practice and long-term positive change, the programme became central to The Turnpike's ambitions. Often interdisciplinary in their approach, our Activations connected the hyper-local to the global, with the goal of generating culture-led ideas for a sustainable and socially just future.

During the first wave of lockdown, and with support from the Arts Council Emergency Response Fund, we commissioned six artists to begin a process of research towards developing ambitious and locally relevant programmes of work that would support our community through a period of recovery.

Upon reopening, The Turnpike brought these projects to fruition, allowing the gallery and the town to become a live testing ground for artistic innovation. Artists worked closely with our communities, supporting local people to develop skills, bonds and confidence to support their resilience. Central themes explored by our Activations included climate change, wellbeing, social justice and the reinvigoration of Leigh’s town centre.