A community arts organisation in Kendal with the environment at its heart

Who We Are

Ragtag Arts and Community Scrapstore is a vibrant, welcoming space where creativity and community come together. Whether you’re dropping in for a coffee, browsing for arts and craft supplies, or planning a memorable birthday party, there’s something here for everyone.

Our main centre, located in the heart of Kendal, is home to our crafty café, under-5s play space, and our well-stocked community scrapstore. It’s also where we host a wide range of inspiring workshops and childrens parties.

In addition, we have a second site in Mealbank, which houses our community ceramic studio and artist studios. This is also where we store our scrap, build large-scale puppets, and run our loose parts programme.

Our work extends far beyond our buildings—you’ll often find us out and about across the North West at festivals, events, and in schools, delivering creative workshops and championing our ethos: Reuse, Create, and Play.

Ragtag Parade

We’re incredibly excited to share the launch of Parade – our biggest and boldest project so far! Starting this autumn, Parade will bring together people of all ages and abilities to create scrap-built carnival artworks, giant puppets, and joyful performances across Cumbria.

Thanks to funding from Arts Council England and National Lottery Awards for All, this year-long project will celebrate everything we love here at Ragtag: creativity, sustainability, and community. And best of all – everyone’s invited.

Reuse

We aim to reduce waste, promote environmental responsibility and provide affordable creative resources.

Create

We deliver high quality arts activities and experiences that are accessible to all: inspiring minds, delighting imaginations and nurturing creativity

Play

We value the artist within each of us, using play as a vehicle for creativity. To provide fun, meaningful andlife enriching opportunities for all improving health and wellbeing

We love the scrapstore. Lucky enough to be local and have been visiting for years. My son has had not 1, but 2 birthday parties here as he enjoyed it so much. The crafts are fantastic, the cakes delicious, the staff passionate and just a fab eco friendly environment. Highly recommended!.
Sarah
Mum of 3

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