EDITORIAL Rachel Horne Two years ago this month we published the first ever Doncopolitan. The theme for the launch issue was #FakeItTillYouMakeIt. We had no idea if a free magazine with expensive production costs would work in Doncaster, especially at a time when major print publications across the land were shutting down. But, like all good fairy tales, the ending has proved to be a happy one. It’s a shining example of what we can achieve in Donny if we work together.
organisation's founder, about her journey to create affordable studios for visual artists in Doncaster. And Warren Draper’s Do-caster is a manifesto for how we can tackle Doncaster’s economic struggle through making, design and the creative industries.
Doncopolitan would not exist without our wonderful writers, interns, artists and volunteers, who have put countless hours into the magazine because they, like us, want to prove that this town is no cultural desert.
We also interview our favourite bearded Thorne boyo and founder of Something To Smile About Festival, Peter Sullivan, along with his partner Becky, to discover why Smile is becoming recognised nationally as a quality grassroots festival every Doncastrian should be proud of.
This #DonnyMade issue of the Doncopolitan shines a light on Doncaster’s army of creators, makers and liberty takers, who continue to disprove Doncaster’s negative stereotypes. Our cover artist this month is none other than our home town hero and #DonnyGirlBoss, Jade Clark. Against the odds, Jade is bringing the rag trade back to Doncaster. Manufacturing her own clothing brand from a small unit in Carcroft, she sells her handcrafted wares to devoted online followers from Taiwan to Texas, forging a global empire from her own back yard, something many assume could only be achieved by living in one of the world’s art capitals, not from an industrial unit in the Donx. Jade’s legendary eye for colour and design has caught the attention of super stars such as Rita Ora and Radio One DJ Annie Mac. This year Instagram went mad when Baddie Winkle, an 87 year old media sensation, graced social media wearing one of Jade’s signature halterneck tops. We meet many a maker throughout the pages of issue 17. People like Odd and Sorts‘ Naomi Horan, who is making handmade jewellery and selling it across the world via social media. We visit Art Fuel’s new permanent home and talk to Mandy Keating, the
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SineFM’s Son of S.L.A.M show host, Rob Allen, interviews the legendary Peter Hook of New Order and Joy Division, a prime example of a liberty taker whose music sprung from a city on the edge.
ABOUT This magazine aims to provide an independent voice for Doncaster. We will big up anything which has the potential to add to Doncaster’s metropolitan appeal and strengthen the local economy. We’ll celebrate Doncaster’s culture, arts, style, music, people, fashion, lifestyle, architecture and even its coal-black underbelly. To remain as independent as possible this magazine is completely self-funded, relying on advertising and generous donations to stay afloat. If you would like to advertise with us, or if you’d like to support our endeavours through subscriptions or donations please call us on: + 4 4 (0 ) 784 6 439 982 Advertising Enquiries call Amanda on:
Everyone featured in this issue of Doncopolitan has been on an epic journey to pursue their creative dreams. We hope this issue inspires you to join the party and get your hands dirty. To quote Albert Einstein: “Creativity is contagious. Pass it on."
+ 4 4 (0 ) 75 0 0 0 4 8 223 If you’re a local artist, musician, writer, photographer, fashionista, socialite or social commentator, and have something to contribute to this magazine, please get in touch. Online: www.don cop ol ita n .com don cop ol i ta n @g m a i l .com Write to us: Doncopolitan Studio Copley Road Project 83 Copley Road Doncaster DN1 2QP Social Media: Twitter: @Don cop ol ita n M a g #DoncopolitanMag Instagram: @Don copol i ta n #Doncogram Facebook: facebook.com/doncopolitan YouTube: youtube.com/user/ Doncopolitan