Who are we?

Trailblazers is a creative programme led by ARTLABRTRY, supporting young people to explore the world of sustainable textiles and fashion through hands-on making, collaboration and creative exploration.

Founded by artist and designer Libby Esler, Trailblazers has been crafted and curated in collaboration with two Coventry secondary school teachers and Michael Peachy from The Broadweavers & Clothiers Guild, alongside the ARTLABRTRY team. Together, we bring years of experience across community arts, fashion, education and large-scale creative projects. Our work is rooted in sustainability, inclusivity and creative opportunity, using reclaimed materials and thoughtful design processes to inspire new ways of thinking and making.

A key strength of Trailblazers is our collaboration with a range of industry professionals — including designers, makers and creative practitioners — who contribute specialist knowledge, mentoring and real-world insight. In addition, we are proud to have a connection with Loughborough University’s Fashion and Textiles department, whose support helps strengthen the programme’s educational pathway and links to further study.

Together, these partnerships ensure Trailblazers offers a high-quality, aspirational experience that goes beyond a standard workshop model, giving participants a genuine understanding of creative pathways and the industry.

Trailblazers has been created to give young people the opportunity to build skills, confidence and creative direction, while connecting with meaningful opportunities in the creative sector.

The programme is fully funded by The Broadweavers & Clothiers Guild, enabling us to offer high-quality, accessible creative experiences to young people in our region.

Together, we are nurturing the next generation of thoughtful, skilled and environmentally conscious designers and makers.

Bursery opportunity

Trailblazers offers a small number of bursary opportunities to support participants in progressing to higher education, helping to fund university places in fashion, textiles and related creative fields.

Our application process is designed to be simple, welcoming and accessible to all. The Trailblazers programme is currently available to young people based in the Coventry and Warwickshire region. Applicants complete a short online form sharing their interest in textiles, fashion or creative making, along with any examples of their work (optional). We review applications with a focus on enthusiasm, curiosity and creative potential, and shortlisted applicants may be invited to a friendly informal chat so we can get to know them better. Successful applicants will then be offered a place on the programme and provided with full details. Information about bursary support for progression into higher education will be shared during the programme.

What people are saying:

“Trailblazers helped me believe in myself as a designer. I learned new skills, met amazing people and now I’m thinking seriously about studying fashion at university.”

— Former Student

“The impact on our students has been incredible. Their confidence, creativity and engagement have grown so much — it’s been a truly inspiring programme to be part of.”

— Teacher

“I loved that we could experiment and be ourselves. It made me realise that there are real opportunities for me in the creative industry.”

— Former Student

Big Ideas, Real Impact.

Trailblazers is a structured creative programme introducing young people to sustainable textiles and fashion design through hands-on making and guided creative exploration.