link here
From major UK festivals to events in the US and Bali, find out how to apply to perform at a whole variety of 2025 festivals here.
Category: Volunteering Opportunity
Every first Thursday of the month, link here
The Grey Area is a monthly event for trans and queer writers and book lovers. Events will take place in person, in the Office Arté Util space at the Whitworth.
This is a new trans and queer writing group and book club in Manchester. The Grey Area is based in the Whitworth and we run from 6pm to 8.30pm.The idea is for writers and book lovers to get the chance to meet, share work and find like-minded people.
The Grey Area events are held on the first Thursday of the Month. These events are very collaborative and Grey will ask you what your expectations are of the session, encourage feedback and keep the group welcoming to newcomers who may join in later months.
Every Monday – link here for tickets
Each Monday, Levenshulme Old Library provide a free and informal workshop for anyone (18+) to come and get involved with:
✂️ Collage Club with Janie Lucchese
🧵 Stitch Club with @sophiebenson
📖 Zine Club with @letsmakezines
✍️ Writing Club with @kate.ireland__
Whether you’re engaging with your creativity for the first time or looking to refine your skills, each session offers a welcoming space to explore different creative practices and connect with others who share your passion for art.
Book your place today and make this year the start of your artistic journey.
Regular events at Y2 Cafe – link here
Deadline to apply – 6:30pm -7:30pm, last weds of every month, link here
link here
The Dutchy Project are a mental health charity, supporting human health activities and physical well being activities. Currently throughout the week we run, Men’s football on Monday evening, Wednesday running/walking group, Thursday drop in meeting to talk about anything you are going through or may need support with and Sunday hiking group.
Services are available: Face to face, Online/digitally, By telephone
link here
Whether you are looking to build your confidence, need help getting a job or want support to start a business, we have support and resources for you. Start something with The Prince’s Trust today.
Prince’s Trust support is available up and down the country, as well as online.
link here
Artist Network at The Lowry
The Lowry’s Artist Network is a free, open access programme supporting professional artists at all stages of their career to focus on their creative and professional development. The programme has a year-round offer including regular workshops, socials, ticket offers, Scratch Nights and other one-off or short–term opportunities to develop creative practice, explore new ideas and build networks. Sign up to the lowry’s newsletter to be the first to hear about what we have coming up.
Deadline to apply – Every last Wednesday of the month, link here
Raise The Bar MCR is the number one open mic event in Manchester, exclusively for rappers. They want to take rap back to its roots by building up the community and showcasing Manchester’s rap talent at all stages of their journey.
On the last Wednesday of every month at the Old Abbey Taphouse, 8 upcoming artists have 9 minutes to show Manny what they’ve got and have the chance to win a paid champion set at the next event. The champion set is voted for by 10 audience judges who want to see you come back and perform a 20-minute set.
Raise The Bar also host a Mancunian headliner who is making a name for themselves in the scene for 30 minutes after all the acts.
But the night doesn’t end there! At 10pm Manchester’s best cypher. Whether you have never performed in front of a crowd before or you just want to come down to pick up the mic and spray, you are welcome. Beats for the cypher are sent in by some of the coldest producers in Manchester and a Mancunian DJ will keep the vibes.
If you’re a rapper, producer or DJ and interested in getting involved don’t be shy… Send a DM or come through to our next event to meet the team.
Link here
BBC Maestro is a subscription-based streaming platform, created to educate and inspire people to explore their creativity. Through pre-recorded lessons and detailed course notes, anyone can learn a wide range of disciplines and follow in the footsteps of experts respected all over the world.
BBC Maestro offers single course purchases or an annual subscription. Click the link above to browse courses and start a free trial.
Link here
NeuroJoy is a new programme run by Starling.
They are looking for 12 curious and creative people who want to explore the joy of diverse minds.
Working with leading neurodivergent artists, you will create work that will live forever as part of the very first creative collection of neurodivergent art and stories: The Neuro-Collection.
To take part you need to:
🌟 Identify as neurodivergent
🌟 Be between 18 and 30
🌟 Have something to say about neurodiversity
🌟 Be creative e.g. you like to make, write or perform
🌟 Be able to take part in at least 6 sessions per year
No previous experience needed.
To receive more info on NeuroJoy or to register your interest, click the link above.
Link here
The EmployGM website has launched, providing a one-stop-shop for people looking for jobs, training and support across Greater Manchester!
The project is a Mayoral commitment, aiming to help residents navigate the opportunities available to them and attract more talent to the city-region.
From the home page you can be directed towards:
Funding rounds are spaced throughout the year – link here
The GMCA Inspire Fund is providing grants of £500 – £2,000 for freelance and independent artists, and small organisations across Greater Manchester.
You may be a musician who would benefit from a new instrument, a small group who needs funds to expand your wardrobe or replace costumes, or a freelance artist who wishes to upskill via a training course.
The GMCA Culture Fund: Inspire is designed to support Greater Manchester-based:
- Freelance artists.
- Independent creatives, artists, musicians, and performers.
- Small creative arts organisations (less than £100k turnover).
Guidance
Decisions are expected within 6 weeks of the closing date you have applied for.
All projects must be completed by April 2026. Click here for more details.
First Friday of every month, 9:30am – 12pm at Moss Side Powerhouse
Link here
The LGBTQ+ Journalism Network is an award-winning space for LGBTQ+ journalists across the UK – and at any stage of their career – to find, support and learn from each other.
The Network was started in January 2022 by Sophie Perry because no such space existed in the industry.
LGBTQ+ journalists have always existed and this space celebrates their work, encourages them and aims to inspire a new generation.
Last Monday of every month, link here
Pull Up & Speak is a poetry and spoken word event hosted by Pull Up Bar Cafe, 14-16 Swan St, Manchester M4 5JN on the last Monday of every month from 6pm – 10:30pm
These poetry nights have been created to support creativity, mental health, and those struggling with addiction and homelessness.
Link here
The ERIC app is primarily for young people who are 16+ with an interest in careers in the creative industries.
Helping young creatives gain experience for their portfolios & CVs, you can browse thousands of internships, bootcamps, events, training schemes, courses & more.
Rolling recruitment – link here
Young Identity is always looking for new trustees to join their diverse board, currently made up of an economist, lawyer, psychologist, education specialist, counsellor, young people’s arts producer, community engagement manager and creative business development expert. The Young Identity board brings a wealth of knowledge, both specialist and general, as well as invaluable perspectives and lived experience ranging from the local, national and international.
HOW TO APPLY
Click the link above to download and read the trustee pack and submit your CV and a cover letter of no more than 500 words, outlining why you want to be a Trustee at Young Identity to enquiries@youngidentity.org. If you prefer, you can send a video of up to 2 minutes instead of the accompanying letter.
Link here
Do you love to express yourself through art, writing, making or performing? Do you want to work with professional artists to develop your creativity? Want to be more social in a supportive and welcoming environment, at your own pace?
Starling run free creative activity groups for neurodivergent young people across Greater Manchester. They are all about having fun and being yourself with like-minded people. From visual arts and creative writing, to music and drama, Starling plan activities that interest you.
So, if you are aged 13-25, identify as neurodivergent and want to get creative, get in touch and click here to register to arrange a conversation with someone from the team. Starling currently have projects in Trafford, Manchester, Tameside and Oldham, but watch this space for more locations!
Are you passionate about migration issues and storytelling? Join Border Voice’s remote team and dedicate around 15 hours per month to either transcribing, editing, or managing social media output for their online radio series on migration (listen here!)
Visit their Instagram for more information and to drop them a message, or get in touch via email: bordervoicesradio@gmail.com
