IOU50 Exhibition & Hostel Open Weekend, 3-5July
As part of this year’s Hebden Bridge Open Studios, IOU invites you to the IOU Hostel for a weekend of exhibitions, creative workshops, outdoor experiences and conversation.
Marking 50 years of IOU and featuring activities from the IOU Creation Centre and Active Hub, the programme brings together art, nature and creative exploration for artists, families and visitors of all ages.
All events are FREE but booking is required for certain workshops please see below. Donations to support our work are very welcome and can be made at the point of booking.
Programme Summary and Event Timings
10.30-11.30am Artist Breakfast
12.00-2.00pm Artist in Residence Workshop with Alicja Mrozowska
2.00-5.00pm IOU Active Hub E-Bike Session
10.30-12.30 Creative Repair Cafe
11.00-3.00pm Artist Workshop with Jessie Li
1.00-2.30pm- IOU Active Hub – Nature Notebooking with Mel Davies
3.30-5.30pm Creative Social
11.00-3.00pm Artist in Residence Workshop with EsK
11.00-4.00pm Flock Speakers in Nutclough Woods
12.00-1.00pm IOU Active Hub – Nutclough Woods Sound Walk – Families
2.00-3.00pm IOU Active Hub – Nutclough Woods Sound Walk – Adults
IOU50 Exhibition
Contemporary Artist Showcase
Friday 3 July at the IOU Hostel
Artist Breakfast
Join us for an informal artists’ breakfast — a chance to meet, network, exchange ideas and share creative practice with fellow artists and makers. No booking required
Artist in Residence Workshop with Alicja Mrozowska.
'A Shared Garden' - a multimedia art workshop. This calm, low-pressure session uses still life and natural forms as a starting point for painting and drawing. Plants and flowers will be available as visual references, creating space for reflection through making, observation and conversation. Booking essential
IOU Active Hub : E-Bike Session
Curious about riding an e-bike? Join our relaxed have-a-go session to build confidence, get comfortable riding an e-bike, and explore at your own pace. You’ll also find out how to hire IOU Hostel e-bikes — making it easier to travel sustainably, discover more of the area, and enjoy affordable, low-impact transport. Drop-in
Saturday 4 July at the IOU Hostel
Creative Repair Cafe
Do you have a creative problem you can’t get past? Bring your ideas, challenges or unfinished projects to our Creative Repair Café and speak to IOU’s team of artists and producers. Drop in, no booking required
Artist in Residence Workshop with Jessie Li
'Flower Casting' - Spend time in the beautiful IOU Hostel garden observing flowers and plants, reconnecting with nature, and creating your own lasting artwork by casting botanical patterns into clay. Drop in session
IOU Active Hub : Nature Notebooking led by Mel Davies
This relaxed walk invites you to slow down, tune into the surrounding landscape, and notice the small details -moss, textures, patterns and plant life. Through simple drawing prompts, you’ll explore creative ways of responding to nature and capturing what you see along the way. Booking essential
Creative Social
Join us for drinks and snacks at the Hostel, alongside an ambient DJ set from Mary Brooks. Explore the space, enjoy the exhibitions, and connect with fellow artists, makers and creative thinkers. No booking required
Sunday 5 July at the IOU Hostel
Artist in Residence Workshop with EsK
'Nature Willow Sculptures' - create small willow sculptures inspired by plants and wildflowers using traditional weaving and sculptural techniques. Drop in session
Flock Speakers in Nutclough Woods
Experience an ambient sound installation featuring 16 synchronised 3D-printed speakers playing an immersive composition inspired by woodland, technology and the human voice. Set within Nutclough Woods, the installation offers a unique way to experience sound and landscape together. Drop in
IOU Active Hub-Nutclough Woods Sound Walks
Join us for a guided walk through Nutclough Woods led by Jane from Sowerby Bridge Walkers. Along the route, you’ll encounter artist Brian Acton’s Flock speaker installation — an immersive woodland soundscape designed to encourage deep listening and closer attention to the natural environment. Slow down, listen carefully, and experience Nutclough Woods in a completely new way.