Our Vision
The Contraptionarium: Fluxus Cornwall CIC’s Permanent Workshop and Exhibition Space in Redruth
Fluxus Cornwall CIC will establish a permanent workshop and exhibition space in the heart of Redruth – a creative centre for building interactive games and automata. This space will function not only as a collaborative workshop for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) activities but also as an engaging public attraction showcasing community-built exhibits. The project builds on the success of our ongoing workshops, exhibitions, and the Invention Club, which have brought diverse age groups together in collaborative creativity. With our current venue reaching capacity, we are ready to expand to a larger, permanent location.
Community Impact
Our workshops and community engagement have highlighted a desire for practical, interactive activities beyond traditional arts. By addressing this need, we are contributing to the town’s cultural landscape and providing a unique attraction for people of all ages and families. The next stage of our project will be to revitalise an underused historic building, contributing to further town centre regeneration and supporting local businesses by drawing new residents and visitors into Redruth.
The project will be a place for residents across generations to get together. It harnesses the skills of older people keen to pass on their knowledge and engages younger individuals who want to learn and contribute, blending traditional skills with modern technology. This initiative bridges generational divides, fosters mentorship, and draws in participants who do not typically engage in town centre activities. The project will ensure a welcoming environment on the high street with a focus on inclusivity and safe spaces for learning and tinkering.
Community Involvement and Support
The project is driven by community input, with ideas rooted in public consultations, local feedback, and our experience running community-led activities. Our current Invention Club, funded through community support, has been a testing ground for this larger initiative. Fluxus Cornwall CIC’s board members and workshop leaders are active in the community, ensuring the project remains aligned with local needs. Redruth Town Council has endorsed the project, recognising its importance to Redruth’s status as Cornwall’s creative hub.
Redruth’s existing arts, heritage, and creative industries make it an ideal location for a project bringing playful STEAM projects to local people. The new space will complement the town’s vibrant arts scene by offering hands-on engineering, design, and interactive exhibits that engage people who might not see themselves as artists. The project adds a new dimension to Redruth’s creative offerings and supports the town’s vision for regeneration. By repurposing a historic building, the project aligns with Redruth Vision and Investment Plan priorities and the need for visible, accessible venues.
Strengths of Fluxus Cornwall CIC
As a well-established CIC embedded in Redruth, Fluxus Cornwall has a proven track record of community engagement through educational and creative workshops. Our team’s combined expertise in education, the arts, engineering, and community leadership makes us uniquely qualified to manage this project. Our successful collaboration with local schools, colleges, and other organisations further demonstrates our capability to mobilise resources and participants effectively.
With deep roots in the area and an understanding of its post-industrial challenges, our workshops address local needs and aspirations. We believe that providing a space where people can innovate, learn, and engage with STEAM activities in a supportive environment will bolster community pride and participation. This initiative will build on Redruth’s creative and industrious spirit, as part of a new era of inclusive, practical creativity.
Vision for the Future
Our goal is to establish a sustainable centre that operates daily and includes evening programs, supporting a wider range of participation. We envision employing staff to run the venue full-time, ensuring it becomes a permanent fixture that continues to evolve with the community. The centre will become a platform for local talent, innovation, and shared learning—attracting visitors, fostering local pride, and creating opportunities for meaningful, cross-generational collaboration.
