Reference collection
In development
A curated sample collection and published catalogue of Leicester's waste streams. Each entry places a touchable material beside its technical metadata: composition, source, available volumes and structural properties. The moment the two sit together, the psychology shifts from waste to raw material.
The Library works three ways at once: a specification manual for designers and architects, a supply chain reference for makers, and the city's first material strategy. The physical reference collection is being assembled at our LCB Depot studio, previewing at DMU's Making Sustainability conference in September 2026 and launching in full at the Residue Symposium in January 2027.
Publication
In development
The published companion to the Materials Library and the manual for our practice. Opening chapters set out the Trash to Art methodology, how to read a material, how to hold a room, and how discarded things become a shared artwork, followed by the full illustrated catalogue of Leicester's material streams as the working case study.
Drawn from 50+ workshops with 500+ participants across Leicester, and evidenced by the physical Library itself. Publishing January 2027.
Annual prize
Launching January 2027
An annual award recognising an emerging artist or maker in Leicester and the Midlands whose work uses waste, reclaimed or recycled material as a primary medium. The winner receives a cash prize, a certificate, and a platform moment within Cuttle CIC's programme.
The first award will be presented at the Residue Symposium in January 2027. Nominations open in autumn 2026, and the judging panel will be announced here.
Fellowship
In planning
One emerging artist a year, named as Cuttle Fellow. The Fellowship pairs mentoring in participatory and materials-led practice with a paid delivery slot inside our workshop programme, so the Fellow leaves with experience, a credit and a network, not just a title. The first Fellow will be named in 2027.
Network
A network for artists, makers and facilitators across the Midlands working with waste and reclaimed material: a shared directory, a quarterly bulletin, and a reason for a scattered field to know itself as one. Sign up below to be part of it from the start.
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Awareness day
In planning
One day a year when Leicester makes art from what it throws away. Venues across the city host open recycled-art activity on the same date, tied together by a shared count of materials diverted. Partner venues and a founding date will be announced here.