MAKE GOOD ARTS

For People; we bring people together to share skills, ideas, resources, and mutual support. We do this through creative activities like sewing, art, and music. 

For Planet; we help protect our planet by re-using, remaking, and repairing as much as we can, and sharing the skills and knowledge to do this with our communities.

Make Good Arts was created in 2015 by artist Alison Clawley, Arts Development professional Julie Pope, and Art Historian Jo Butler.

We teach, guide, help, share, and inspire people of all ages to make amazing things, using textiles, print, photography, upcycled and reclaimed materials, and a lot of ideas and fun.

Our Team

Jo Butler  – she/her

Co-Director and chair of Make Good Arts

I am a museum curator and historian who has worked on creative projects with lead artist Alison since the 2000s. Over the last 20 years, I’ve run arts events and workshops, and curated arts and heritage collections, in London, Staffordshire, and the Midlands. I also volunteer at Lichfield Foodbank and have been active in the managing committee and running social media. 

I’m passionate about sewing and love supporting people to develop their skills and find their creativity. When I’m not at my sewing machine, you can find me singing in a band or volunteering at music festivals. I grew up in Birmingham and now live in Derbyshire. 

Alison Clawley – she/her

Co-Director of Make Good Arts and Lead Artist 

With a background in dressmaking, fashion history, and fine art, I have been sewing since the age of 6, making things since I can remember, and running community arts workshops for around 20 years. I started to Make Good Arts with Julie and Jo in 2015, after several years working in Birmingham City Council’s Arts Team, being inspired by all the creative things going on in communities all over the city and wanting to make our contribution! 

I’m also a home-educating single mum and proud to be part of a neurodivergent family! I grew up in Birmingham, and have lived in Sandwell for the last four years, still finding my way around and learning about all the wonderful things going on in the area. I get a bit overexcited by fabrics, colors, science, paint, and big ideas, and love learning new things and helping people to find their creative spark. Also cake. Love that. 

Julie Pope – she/her

Co-Director and Secretary of Make Good Arts

Julie has been involved in arts and heritage in the Midlands for most of her working life, and has a passion for projects that are inclusive, accessible, creative, and most of all fun! She has many years of experience advising organisations on sustainability, inclusion and diversity, and enjoys music, comedy, and spoken word as her art forms of choice.