Find Workshops & Opportunities
Young Creative Awards 2026
Entries for the Young Creative Awards 2026 are now open! Entries will close at midnight on the 16th March 2026.
Catergories include Animation & Digital Media, Creative Writing, Dance, Design & Architecture, Fashion & Textiles, Film, Graphic Design, Music, Photography and Visual Arts.
Eligible applications are for young creatives ages 11-24, and to be working, living or studying in the City of Nottigham.
You can enter as an indivdual, group or as a class, club or study group.
To find out more and learn how to apply click here
Formwork: The Institution as Artist Medium
Nottingham Contemporary
Sat 28 Feb, 11am–4pm
Join us for a group session exploring the ways in which public art institutions can become sustainable sites for structural change within the sector.
Organised by Andrew Goffey from the Centre for Critical Theory and Cultural Studies at the University of Nottingham, and Katie Simpson, Senior Curator at Nottingham Contemporary, the session explores the institution as an artistic medium that can be shaped and moulded. It considers how this freedom and malleability in design and scope can create opportunities for new ways of organising and working. The event also marks ten years since research and public programming on institutional analysis at Nottingham Contemporary, led by former Head of Public Programmes Dr Janna Graham, grounding the enquiry in past thinking and practice to examine how co-creative, collective, and non-hierarchical approaches operate within the institution today.
We will start by revisiting the research project Building as Body 2016 – 2018 by Manual Labours (Sophie Hope and Jenny Richards). Building as Body saw Nottingham Contemporary undergo a process of examination, exploring the ways in which buildings and bodies are fluid ecosystems which affect each other. This resulted in a co-produced health assessment of the organisation which Jenny Richards and Dr Janna Graham will discuss with us as a case study of institutional analysis in practice.
For the second half of the session, we welcome presentations from artists Débora Delmar, José García Oliva and Sean Roy Parker who each employ methods of institutional critique in their practice to interrogate how mechanisms of power are embedded within institutions. After the presentations, we will break out into small groups to dive deeper into the tactics and strategies used by each artist, to see what change might look like in action.
This event is the first in the Formwork series, which builds on Nottingham Contemporary’s ongoing interest in imagining how organisations can align their visible, public-facing work with less visible aspects, such as internal structures, questioning the role of public art institutions today as sites of change, equity, and freedom.
Homegrown Performers
Applications for Homegrown 2026 are now open!
Homegrown is Nottingham Playhouse’s pre-professional theatre artist programme, designed to support young adults who are keen to work professionally in the theatre industry.
What is Homegrown Performers 2026?
A professional rehearsal process leading up to a Studio theatre performance in July. Following a weekly rehearsal schedule, you will be offered professional direction at Nottingham Playhouse.
You will also have access to:
• 1-2-1 meetings with industry experts.
• Production photographs.
• Discounted access to wider participation programme*
*Playhouse Insights, Masterclasses, other opportunities where available.
You must be aged 18 – 30, hard working and passionate about performing in theatre.
To apply for an audition, please send an email explaining why you would be a good person to join Homegrown Performers. You might explain why you want to be part of the programme, what experience you have that will help you make the most of your time with Homegrown and a description of the work you want to explore in the arts. This should be no longer than 400 words. Send this to [email protected].
Audition dates are scheduled for Tue 17 February and Tue 3 March.
BUILD BEATS
21 MAR AT 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
New Art Exchnage
A hands-on free workshop and creative session inviting participants to explore rhythm, production, and the art of beat-making in a collaborative environment. Build Beats is a project that brings together Nottingham’s Music Producer community.
This event is part of the ‘Our Yard: Foundation’ seasonal programme curated by Our Yard with the support of New Art Exchange.
Take Part in a Nottingham Social Experiment – Short Film
We’re inviting people from across Nottingham to take part in a friendly social experiment we’re filming soon, and we’d love you to be involved. We are looking for 150 such Nottingham based individulas.
The project focuses on community, social issues, and individual lived experiences. At its heart, it’s about empathy and kindness. The video is supported by Nottingham City Council, with our venue partner Nottingham Contemporary.
What taking part looks like:
• Short, guided actions on camera
• You’re in control of what you share and can stop at any time
• No scripts, no acting, no right or wrong answers
• Camera angles won’t focus on one person in particular, but the entire audience as a whole.
• Food and Refreshments will be provided ( After the end of the filming)
Who we’re looking for:
People from all walks of life. Different ages, backgrounds, identities, and experiences. You don’t need media experience. Just honesty and openness.
One small but important ask: come as you.
If you have a uniform, a look, or clothing that says something about who you are or what you do, we’d love you to wear it. That might be a work uniform, a biking outfit, a goth look, drag, sports kit, religious dress, or something else entirely. If not, that’s absolutely fine too. There’s no pressure. This is about being visible, not being labelled.
Please dress in fairly plain clothes where appropriate. Complex patterns and close lines, such as pinstripes can interfere with camera sensors and create artefacts.
The aim is to capture real reactions and raw emotion, not rehearsed responses.
We won’t be sharing every detail beforehand, simply because we want the moments we capture to be real and unfiltered. You’ll be fully briefed on the day, can ask questions at any point, and can step away whenever you choose.
18+
ART FEST NOTTINGHAM: SHARED PLATES
25 APR AT 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
New Art Exchange
This free one-day food and arts festival, celebrating the cultures, cuisines and stories of Hyson Green, is your chance to savour diverse flavours, share stories, take part in a range of activities and meet your neighbours.
Rooted in the simple act of sharing food, the festival brings visitors together through communal meals, photography, music and creative workshops. It explores how food connects identity, migration and place, turning kitchens, cafés and public spaces into sites of storytelling, exchange and belonging.
Join us at NAE on 25th April for:
· Food Tasting
· Collaborative Mural Workshop
· Screen Printing Workshop
· Global Radio
· Food Talks
· Urban Foraging Walk
· Photography Walk
· Shared Places Photography Exhibition (on show until 2nd May 2026)
ALL WELCOME | FREE
YOUth at the National Justice Museum
Make new friends, create and explore.
Free Monthly Youth Group for aged 11-17 years old.
Join us for our new free monthly youth group for young people aged 11–17-year-olds. Explore the museum, participate in creative activities, meet new people and learn about the collection of objects we house.
Sessions will be led by museum team members, artists, makers and writers and are open to young people with different levels of creative or heritage interest.
- The 4th Saturday of the Month
- 11:30 am to 2 pm
- Lunch Included
Places are capped at 20 participants, so sign up now to avoid disappointment.
There’s still time to sign up! Click this link to register.
Portraits of Escape: Women Surrealists and the Art of Collage
Friday 13 March, 10am-12pm, free
National Justice Museum
This workshop introduces participants to female Surrealists – Leonora Carrington, Dorothea Tanning, Claude Cahun – and to Hannah Höch’s influential photomontage. Together, we will consider how Surrealism and collage have acted as survival strategies, enabling artists to imagine freedom when constrained by circumstance, gender roles, political oppression, or, in this context, incarceration.
Participants will spend time with the museum’s 30 Objects Representing Justice portraits as a point of departure for thinking about identity and representation. Drawing on the atmosphere of the National Justice Museum’s historic spaces, we will create surreal or speculative collage portraits exploring escape, longing, dream worlds, and symbolic transformation.
CHOREOGRAPHIC TOOLS AND PRACTICES WORKSHOP
Performing Arts Studio, Lakeside Arts
Fri 24 Apr 2026, 2-4pm
Join an engaging practical dance workshop on inclusive choreography and creative access.
Through the lens of Lived Fiction, you’ll discover how inclusive choreography and creative access can intertwine to shape powerful, inclusive performances.
Applications are now open for the Reseach in Dance Award (RiDA) Residency for 2026.
This residency opportunity is funded by Dance Hub and is a collaboration between Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Fabric.
Key Dates
Application deadline: Wednesday 4 February 2026, 10am
Delivery period: Between April 2026 and October 2026
RiDA takes the form of an artist in residence opportunity at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
This is an ideal opportunity for a dance artist with an established practice, a particular interest in research applications of their work, and a willingness to engage in discourses that reveal some of the shared knowledge that emerges during the residency.
The project can be a solo endeavour, or collective.
The residency will take place between April 2026 and October 2026 at Birmingham Botanical Gardens.
FILM SCHOOL
Broadway Cimena
Dates: Monday evenings: 12 Jan – 2 March 2026, 6:30pm – 9pm
+ final networking session on Wed 11 March 2026
Award-winning filmmaker and director Keith Allott (Badshoes Film) leads this practical introduction to filmmaking, taking you step by step from pre-production planning through to the final edit of your film.
The course will include production structure, on-set roles, mise-en-scène, cinematography, sound recording and mixing, editing and post-production and finally, the post-production world of film festivals, distribution and exhibition. Each participant will receive a digital production pack of materials for them to use on their future films.
Participants should expect some crossover between this course and our Beginning Screenwriting and Film Editing courses, but all within its own context.
Find out more and how to book on here
Gallery Art Group
Saturdays 10 January – 7 February & 28 February – 28 March, 10.30am
Visual Arts Studio, Lakeside Arts
See your creative expression flourish! Our Associate Artists will take their inspiration from our current exhibitions programme to lead workshops that explore materials, develop art skills and technique whilst building confidence in a relaxed and sociable environment.
Meet like-minded peers, build your GCSE or A-level portfolio and/or work towards an Arts Award qualification – all in a relaxed and sociable environment.
This workshop is designed for children to enjoy independently. Parents and carers, feel free to relax in our lovely cafés or explore our galleries while the kids get creative.
For ages 11-18, Cost: £120 including materials
Face and Jar
Friday 27 March, 10am-12pm, free
National Justice Museum
Led by artist Xin Chen, this hands-on workshop takes inspiration from the 17th-century Bellarmine jar discovered during archaeological excavations at the National Justice Museum site.
These salt-glazed stoneware vessels, often featuring the bearded face of a man, once held beer or wine and carried both practical and mythical meanings.
Using air-dry clay and the coiling technique, participants will create their own small versions of Bellarmine jars, reimagining the expressive face with a personal interpretation.
The session encourages playful engagement with material and history, tracing connections between everyday objects and cultural memory.
NOTTDANCE
Nottingham College – City Hub
Hofesh Shechter Company Workshop (for ages 13 to 17)
Led by Hofesh Shechter Company, the workshop is an opportunity to explore the Company’s distinctive movement style. The workshop will include a full warm up and use repertoire and imagery from Hofesh’s critically acclaimed work, From England with Love, to explore his creative process.
Ticket price: £3
BFI Film Academy Alumni: Case Studies & Network Sign-Up
Explore inspiring stories from regional alumni and see where their BFI Film Academy journey has taken them.
If you’ve taken part in a Midlands BFI Film Academy Short or Specialist Course, join our alumni network by signing up to the database – gain access to exclusive opportunities and stay connected with future prospects. Check out here.
Film Hub Midlands
Film Hub Midlands regularly update their site with different resources, opportunities, courses and awards/prizes you can get involved with.
There’s a wide variety of activities and events for everyone aspiring to work in the film industry so don’t miss out.
Find out more
Nottingham Rockcorps
Nottingham students — this one’s for you
Want to see Tinie Tempah live at Rock City? You’ve got to earn it.
Nottingham RockCorps is giving you the chance to volunteer for just 4 hours at a local community
project — and score a ticket to an exclusive show on 8 April 2026.
No ticket sales.
No ballot.
Just show up and make an impact.
It’s a chance to:
✔ Build experience
✔ Boost your CV
✔ Meet new people
✔ Be part of something bigger in Nottingham
Spots are limited, so don’t sleep on this.
GetSet Nottingham
Fabric, Space 2
Sat 7th Feb 2026 to Sat 13th Jun 2026, various times
GetSet is a series of free monthly dance workshops, hosted by our Centre for Advanced Training team in Nottingham. The sessions are for 11 to 16 year olds curious about dance. Delivered as a series of workshops created to help you gain confidence and experience in dance. Ideal for those who have little to no experience in dance or just want to develop their dance technique and creative skills further.
In a friendly and supportive environment, the workshops will give you the opportunity to learn more about the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) programme and get to know the CAT team. The workshops can prepare you for our annual admissions workshops which take place each summer.
Each workshop will have an invited guest teacher specialising in different styles and practices. Whatever your previous experience with dance you can take part in all or some of the sessions, which include, introducing contemporary dance techniques and creative skills, house, popping, locking and hip-hop dance styles.
New Associates 2026/27 online information session
NEW ASSOCIATES 2026/27 APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
Each year we welcome a new cohort of 12 artists.
New Associates is our tailormade programme to support early to mid-career East Midlands focused theatre/performance-makers. By that we mean any discipline. You can be a writer, director, producer, actor, performance artist, poet, clown, puppeteer, movement artist. We work with a diverse group of creatives; our New Associates have included all the above and more!
This online Information session, presents the opportunity to hear more about the programme and ask questions ahead of the closing, midday on Monday 9 March.
If you email questions prior to the Zoom session to [email protected] we’ll try our best to respond to them in the session.
An audio recording of the session will be made available via our website shortly afterwards.
What is Food?
New Art Exchange
Friday, Feb 13 from 11 am to 12:30 pm
Explore how food intersects with identity, culture, and belonging in this interactive workshop led by Laura Decorum.
Through discussion, tasting, smelling, and visual reflection, participants will uncover how food expresses memory and shapes who we are. The session invites creative exploration of what food means in the spaces we live in asking thought-provoking questions like, “If you were a food, what would you be?”
Come share stories, senses, and ideas as we discover how food connects us to our roots and helps communities flourish.
Ritual and Remembrance Workshop with Winter Síofra Beaumont
Nottingham Contemporary
Wed 15 Apr, 1pm–2pm
In Spring 2026, Nottingham Contemporary is thrilled to be presenting Cemetery of Martyrs by Dala Nasser (b.1990, Lebanon). The exhibition features a large-scale sculptural and sonic installation that invites audiences into a collective space of mourning and remembrance. By using the process of frottage (the technique of taking a rubbing from an uneven surface), Nasser transforms the gallery space into a symbolic graveyard, creating a collection of charcoal rubbings collected from the graves of seminal artists, writers, poets, filmmakers, historians and journalists from across Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and England. Representing cultural figures from the mid nineteenth century (specifically the Nahda, Arab Renaissance) to the present day, the work honours those who fought for independence and freedom in times of political dominance and occupation and whose art, writing, and intellectual contributions have shaped the notion of true sovereignty in Western Asia.
In this Ritual and Remembrance Workshop, Winter Síofra Beaumont will invite attendees to reimagine social rites of remembrance, to heal our damaged relationship with the departed, and to nurture a new culture of celebratory mourning of the fallen and forgotten in a society which has lost its reverence and love for the dead. This workshop is a continuation of an aspect of Winter’s practice dedicated to preserving the memories of those buried in the countless untended graves in cemeteries across Nottingham, by performing simple symbolic acts of kindness and respect. Combining art making with contemporary esoteric practice, attendees will engage in an intuitive and emergent creative process, creating grave rubbings on fabric whilst discovering their own novel ritual gestures in the context of a ceremony conducted by Winter.
Nature Poetry Workshops
Nottingham Central & Hyson Green Library
Join us for one or all four of our poetry writing sessions across two of our libraries featuring green spaces. Our expert facilitators (Bridie Squires and Jaden Morten) will encourage participants to read some of Simon Armitage’s nature inspired poems, and then head into the gardens to observe the spaces and write their own.
With the chance to be chosen to perform alongside Simon Armitage as one of the opening performers off the back of this work, these are a creative opportunity not to be missed.
Saturday 7 February – Nottingham Central Library with Bridie Squires, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Saturday 14 February – Nottingham Central Library Jaden Morten, 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Saturday 21 February – Hyson Green Library with Jaden Morten, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Saturday 28 February – Hyson Green Library with Bridie Squires, 10.30am to 12.30pm
Writing for Life: Creative Careers event
Nottingham City Museums and Galleries, Wollaton Hall
Tues 10 March, 4.00-7.00pm
This twilight event for students will bring together a range of professionals from various backgrounds to share their experience of using written and spoken language creatively in their jobs and careers.
A series of talks, interspersed with practical tasks, will give young people a chance for hands-on experience of using creative writing in different ways, and a chance to see the diversity of uses creative and descriptive writing can have in the workplace.
This will be followed with a chance to visit stalls of speakers and other local organisations to ask questions and find out more, ‘open day’ style.
This event aims to:
- Inspire young people to take creative writing forward into their adult lives
- Increase their awareness of the range of jobs and roles that use creative and descriptive writing on a day to day basis
- Broaden understanding of what writing can be used for in the world of work
- Create an interest in writing via awareness of how many different ways it can be done, and how many different uses it can have
- Offer fun, hands-on activities with seminar style talks from guests
- Create transferrable skills in CV writing, Personal Statement writing and confidence in composition and expression
NextGen Hub Nottingham
Introducing NextGen Hub!
Calling all young creatives in Nottingham and surrounding areas! We’re excited to unveil Next Gen Hub, a brand-new series of sessions just for you!
What’s in store?
• Songwriting & Spoken Word Masterclasses: Unleash your creativity and craft your own music.
• Event Management Skills: Gain the know-how to lead and organise a fantastic festival event this summer!
• Wellbeing & Relationships: Explore how to nurture your mental health and build meaningful connections.
• Voice Work & Tone: Improve your singing skills with expert guidance.
• Dance & Relaxation: Find your rhythm and unwind through movement.
Session tutors will be revealed soon! Stay tuned for more details on the experts who’ll be guiding you through each session.
A huge thank you to Near Neighbours Nottingham for funding our inclusive creative project especially designed in consultation with young people at Community Recording Studios (CRS) in Nottingham.
📢 Stay Tuned!
More details on how to sign up and get involved are coming soon. Keep an eye out for updates and get ready to join the creative journey!
Applications for Sherwood Art Week 2026 are now open!
Get ready to apply to participate in Art in Shops, host a stall at the Craft Fair, get involved in a Community Project, submit an image for the brochure cover, or run a workshop!
During Sherwood Art Week 2026 you’ll have the opportunity to attend workshops and events, visit our Craft Fair, and enjoy the wonderful community art throughout our high street.
This years theme is ‘Growing Together’.
Fabric Residencies 2026 to 2027 Open Call
Fabric are delighted to open the new round of applications for our Fabric residency programme for 2026 to 2027.
Open to artists based in the UK, we are offering money, space, and staff time to explore new ideas and support the realisation of projects.
We have a total budget of £45,000 to distribute across approximately 6 projects. At least 2 residency places will be prioritised for artists that currently live and work in the Midlands.
Residencies will take place between April 2026 and March 2027 in either of the Fabric sites. Delivery can be in consecutive blocks or individual days to work around other work/life commitments.
Key Dates
Application deadline: Wednesday 4 February 2026, 10am
Information Sessions: Wednesday 14 January, 12.30pm and Thursday 22 January, 6.30pm
Offers made by: Monday 2 March 2026
Delivery period: Between April 2026 and March 2027
Sugar Stealers
Sugar Stealers are offering free creative and wellbeing opportunities for all women and gender expansive people. These workshops are made to suit a wide range of abilities & all necessary equipment will be provided for you, so don’t worry if you are a first timer!
Free 8 week Music Industry Development Programme (Podcasting, event planning, DJ-ing, Music Production, Sound Engineering, Industry Mentorship, Rehearsal Space). Limited spaces available, advised to apply soon to secure a spot! https://www.sugarstealers.com/music
Free 5 Week Music Tuition For People Facing Financial Barriers (DJ-ing, Music Production, Sound Engineering): https://www.sugarstealers.com/tuition
SWEF Grants: Young People in Nottinghamshire
Grants of up to £2000 are available to young people in Nottinghamshire who need support with a business investment, targeted at those who are not in education, employment or training.
Nottingham Trent University – Experience subjects
Ages 16+
Various Dates
NTU have designed a series of activities with their current students and teaching colleagues to help you build a better picture of how they run their courses. These experience programmes are designed for both students and Teachers and Advisers.
Whether you’re curious about what it might be like to study psychology, fashion, design or business, click the link below and register your interest in experiencing a subject.
Find out more
Nottinghamshire Festival of Science and Curiosity 2026
9th – 20th February 2026
An annual festival which is all about showcasing a world of science and curiosity that’s all around us every day. The festival is about inviting the people of Nottinghamshire to share not only what they know, but also what they would like to know; it’s about celebrating curiosity, asking questions and taking a leading role in finding out the answers.
Create – Grow – Learn
Nottingham Arts Theatre Youth Group reformed in March 2019, thanks to funding from the lottery. We cover a range of disciplines including drama, dance and singing with students aged between 8 and 18.
The ethos of the group is to create an environment that allows our young people to grow, learn and be creative. We are passionate about providing access to theatre and developing skills, while always being adaptable to individual’s journeys and being led by our young people. We aim to improve confidence, nurture talent and encourage our young people by providing opportunity and a safe space to explore through creative exercise. In more recent years, we have also encouraged the learning of backstage and offstage roles, for our young people to also develop their knowledge and understanding of theatre as a whole.
We work on both developing skills and working towards performances across the year. All groups will take part in an annual showcase, as well as other performance opportunities throughout the year. Our leaders are all fully DBS and chaperone trained as well as having received formal training and qualifications within the performing arts industry.
To join our waiting list, or get more information email [email protected]
Or, volunteer opportunities include auditing and managing our props and wardrobe stores, various admin tasks, staffing the Box Office during the week, assisting at special events, supporting community initiatives, and crewing in-house productions.
To discuss volunteering opportuities further, simply email [email protected], leaving your name and contact details.
City Arts, Young Producers
The Young Producers group support and encourage each other to take part in the arts. City Arts supports the group with resources, funding and advice
Young Producers is a great way to meet new people. Join to learn new skills, collaborate on projects and keep being creative!
How it works
Young Producers meet monthly to share skills, plan events and exhibitions, and explore the local arts scene. Each year the group contribute to local festivals and events. These include Nottingham Poetry Festival, Nottinghamshire Pride and Nottingham Comedy Festival. Each November, Young Producers takeover the City Arts building for a mini-festival. In the run up to these events the group meet more frequently. However, you are welcome to contribute as much or little time as you can.
Meetings generally take place at the City Arts building in Hockley.
Find out more and register an interest
WEARABLE SCULPTURE WITH ROSNY HAYWARD
Lakeside Arts, Performing Arts Studio
Sat 28 Feb 2026, 10.30am
Explore shaping paper and cardboard into sculptural forms for the body. You’ll use your own bodies as extensions of the materials, blurring the line between object and wearer.
These wearable sculptures will be documented, resulting in striking photographs that capture the process and transformation.
MAKE YOUR ART POP WITH ELAINE WINTER
Lakeside Arts, Performing Arts Studio
Sat 18 Apr 2026, 10.30am
Learn about colour theory, colour mixing and how to use colour palettes to make your artworks come alive.
This workshop is inspired by Andy Warhol’s use of colour but will also look at other artists work and give you time to experiment with a range of materials.
All levels of experience welcome.