Wigan’s creative scene is undergoing a quiet revolution — and at the centre of it is Kirby Corless, a multidisciplinary artist and founder of EyUp, a platform dedicated to connecting artists, communities and contemporary practice across the borough.

Kirby, known for her conceptual approach and boundary‑pushing installations, describes curiosity as the driving force behind her work. Her fine‑art background emphasises experimentation, sculpture and immersive installation.

Building EyUp: A New Creative Hub for Wigan

EyUp is more than an arts organisation — it’s a community engine. Through exhibitions, events and collaborative projects, Kirby is creating opportunities for local artists to showcase their work and for residents to engage with contemporary art in meaningful, accessible ways.

She also serves as director of EY‑UP WIGAN CIC, a community‑interest company registered in 2025.

“Art shouldn’t sit behind glass, it should sit in the middle of a conversation. EyUp is about opening doors, not gatekeeping them.” — Kirby Corless

A Multi‑Sensory Artistic Vision

Kirby's recent projects include Come Rhyme With Me, a cross‑disciplinary experience combining poetry, live art installation, performance and food. The project, created in collaboration with poet The Chubby Northerner and local chefs, invites audiences to literally “taste” the artwork.

Each installation is site‑specific, evolving as it moves between venues across Wigan and Leigh — a living dialogue between poet, artist, chef and community.

A Rising Creative Force

Her work continues to mature conceptually and aesthetically, with a growing focus on audience interaction and community participation.

With EyUp gaining momentum and her artistic profile rising, Kirby is positioning Wigan as a place where contemporary art doesn’t just exist, it thrives.