GF Smith Presents: New Dimensions – A Celebration of Paper, Creativity & Community
Few understand this better than GF Smith, Hull’s very own legendary creative paper supplier, and they’re inviting you to experience their next chapter
The Event: A Must-Attend for Hull’s Creatives
NEXT THURSDAY, 13TH MARCH
GF Smith take over Social on Humber Street, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their bold rebrand, designed by cause-led branding agency TEMPLO. This is your chance to hear firsthand from the people behind the transformation and dive deep into the intersection of design, social impact, and accessibility.
Expect insightful talks, creative inspiration, and powerful discussions from industry leaders who are shaping the future of design. This isn’t just about paper—it’s about the role creativity plays in our city and beyond.
Why You Should Be There
If you’re a designer, artist, student, or just someone who thrives on creativity, this event is for you. GF Smith Presents: New Dimensions isn’t just a showcase—it’s a conversation. It’s about Hull’s creative identity, the importance of access to the arts, and how we build a future where talent isn’t limited by background or postcode.
More Than a Rebrand: The GF Smith Charitable Trust
This event also marks the launch of the GF Smith Charitable Trust, dedicated to breaking down barriers in creative education. Focused on supporting Hull’s HU2 community and beyond, the trust is about ensuring creativity is for everyone—not just those who can afford it. If you care about keeping the arts accessible, this is a conversation you’ll want to be part of.
Speakers include:
WCCD (Working-Class Creatives Database)
A volunteer-led platform that highlights the work of working-class creatives in the UK. It was founded in 2020 to provide a platform for working-class creatives, to establish a strong community between working-class artists around the region and tackle classism within the arts by improving accessibility, engagement and opportunities. Art is an important part of our society and provides an alternative way of communicating and expressing personal experiences and histories. It enhances connections and networks and provides a stronger sense of place, identity, and heritage. Our core values are ensuring working class creatives have equal access to the arts and its opportunities, not just those who can afford it.
Hinterland Creative
Stewart Baxter is a UK-based art director, photographer, and designer with a background in DIY music and a passion for visual storytelling. He collaborates with artists and record labels to create striking press imagery, album artwork, and creative release campaigns. With over two decades of experience in the music industry, he has also played a key role in developing Hull’s independent arts scene. Stewart is the drummer for LIFE, composes under Bombed Buildings, and is currently launching DØTE, a record label and art project focused on experimental music and collaboration.
TEMPLO
Templo is a cause-led branding agency with one specific mission sitting at the core of everything they do: “using the positive power of design for social change”. Founded by creative director Pali Palavathanan and managing director Anoushka Rodda, Templo has developed a tried and tested way of working – close collaboration and co-creation with its clients – resulting in work that’s authentic, attention-grabbing and impactful. For more than a decade, it has partnered with the United Nations, Climate Change Committee, Free Syria’s Disappeared, Amnesty International, the V&A and British Council and now GF Smith, to tackle issues across climate change, human rights and community empowerment.
Get Your Tickets. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind night. Tickets are FREE, but spaces are limited—so grab yours now via Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gf-smith-presents-new-dimensions-tickets-1262864434519?aff=oddtdtcreator
GF Smith works in partnership with brands, creatives, designers and specialists across the globe to source, curate and supply the world’s finest paper as the foundation for those that seek to create.
As an independent business committed to community, colour and creativity, it is known for its exceptional range of creative papers, technical expertise, specialist services and warm, friendly approach.
gfsmith.com // @gfsmithpapers
