Want tips on how to recycle more household waste? Looking for creative advice on how to reuse materials?

Be inspired with ‘Trash to Treasure’, a series of innovative exhibitions, workshops and talks to celebrate creative upcycling. 

It will launch on Friday 5 February by Nottingham City Council and partners and will run at a series of venues in Nottingham City Centre until the end of March.

‘Trash to Treasure’ is the brainchild of knowtrash – who have a unique collection of more than 4,000 contemporary recycled artefacts from more than 30 countries. All the artwork and everyday objects have been created from waste. 

These collections will form five innovative exhibitions which will also feature pieces made right here in Nottingham by artists and students from several colleges.

Talks and family friendly workshops will run alongside the exhibitions to provide people with advice and support on how to be more creative with household waste and keep it out of the waste stream.  

Some highlights of the exhibitions include:

Recycle Deluxe – intu Broadmarsh A sensational exhibition showcasing stunning pieces by extraordinary designers from around the world who have a unique take on recycling and upcycling. Also featuring fabulous works by talented students right here in Nottingham.

Hands Together – The Art of Social Enterprise at Nottingham Central Library, Angel Row An inspirational exhibition celebrating communities from around the world who provide a sustainable future for their families by turning trash into cash.

Radically Refashioned – Lace Market Gallery, Stoney Street An exuberant exhibition of upcycled funky fashion and awesome accessories, showcasing works made by Central College Level 3, Year 1 Fashion & Textiles Students alongside treasures from the international knowtrash collection.

Resourceful Recyclers – Playworks, Alfred Street North A photographic exhibition featuring resourceful makers worldwide who ingeniously upcycle scrap metal, waste paper, discarded tyres and bottles into practical or pretty products.

Mask Parade – City Arts, Hockley An enticing display of vibrant masks from around the globe. The exhibition will explore how masks are made and the exuberant celebrations where traditional masks are worn.

‘Hidden Beauties’ insect installation made from recycled materials by Central College BTEC Level 1 Art & Design Student at ‘The Wedge’ opposite the Tunnel Vision Digital Art Gallery at intu Broadmarsh.

Photography exhibition responding to recycling themes by Central College Level 3 Students in Extended Diploma in Photography in the Tunnel Vision Digital Art Gallery at intu Broadmarsh.

For more information and listings please visit: www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/trashtotreasure

#trash2treasure

Are you a savvy recycler or have an interest in upcycling? Please share your story with us as part of our Trash to Treasure campaign!

Charlotte Blakey from New Basford kindly sent over her story and this fantastic upcycling art she made out of old clothes and pallet wood:

"Upcycling started for me as a way to continue crafting on a limited budget but I now prefer it to buying materials to work with; I find there is more freedom to create as you aren't worried about making mistakes with costly items/materials.  I'm currently into Faux Taxidermy / Fauxidermy, something I'd admired for a long time. I initially started off small, I bought a book and made a few items, I then used the knowledge to design my own work which gave me the confidence to try something bigger, and I'm now working on something even bigger!

"Friends and family are great places to source materials to work with, ask people to keep you in mind when they are having a clear out. I would say Pinterest and books are my best sources of inspiration and information, charity shops are good for getting unusual craft books and cheap equipment!"

Got a story to tell? Please let us know!

Let’s get together to not only ‘Clean for the Queen’, but to spruce up Nottingham’s neighbourhoods!

In the run up to The Queen's 90th birthday on 21 April 2016, Keep Britain Tidy are aiming to inspire a million people to take action and enjoy a few hours together litter-picking to make the places where we live more beautiful.

We want to hear your suggestions about where in Nottingham you think could do with a tidy up and a little attention. We will then invite everyone to vote on the suggestions and announce where the litter clear-ups will take place from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 March!

Have an hour or more to help?  We will provide tools, gloves and bags to any volunteer!

We are also encouraging schools, businesses, groups and individuals to come and support the litter picks or let us know if they need the tools to do their own.

Send your suggestions or details to michelle.lawson@nottinghamcity.gov.uk, 8763311 or use our social media channels below.