Find Workshops
Maid Marian Workshops
BACKLIT Gallery
Saturday 23 and 24th May, 10.30-12.30
Group workshops to meet artist Alicja Biala at BACKLIT Gallery and contribute to the new public artwork of Maid Marian.
BACKLIT, Nottingham City Council, and It’s in Nottingham have partnered to deliver a unique opportunity to contribute to a major public artwork that will become a landmark at the gateway to Nottingham city centre.
About the Project
The new sculpture will reimagine Maid Marian as a living presence shaped by Nottingham’s landscape, folklore, and shared values. Formed from cast-metal fragments of native plants, the artwork will reflect themes of ecology, resilience, and collective memory and you can help bring it to life.
Workshop Experience
During the session, you will:
- Meet artist Alicja Biała and learn about her creative process
- Take part in a hands-on workshop contributing to the sculpture
- Explore the stories, plants, and meanings behind the artwork
- Connect with others in your local community
No prior art experience is necessary. Booking is required.
Crafty Club
Nottingham’s Women Centre
Thursdays at 1pm, until June 18th
Crafty Club are Nottingham Women’s Centre’s social crafters. The group are friendly, informal and inclusive. Meeting every week to craft alongside each other. Either working on their own projects or creating together.
It’s a great space to share skills, have a coffee and a chat, and meet new friends in a warm, welcoming environment. No special skills are needed and volunteers are on hand too if you need some guidance.
Learn simple techniques or tackle something a little more complex
Create together, have fun and have a go at making something
Share skills, beginners are welcome
Dip your feet into the wonderful world of craft
BATIK WORKSHOP
WITH SHAMILA CHADY
Lakside Arts, Performing Arts Studio
Sat 13 Jun 2026, 10.30am
Draw with melted wax and paint with vibrant dyes to create a unique fabric artwork in this hands-on, creative workshop.
Ideal for beginners or those refreshing their skills, this relaxed session lets you discover traditional batik techniques and leave with a beautiful piece – ready to hang or sew into something special.
Running time: 5 hours
Cost: £60 including materials
1525: Calligraphy – Tracing cultures and finding flow
Nottingham Contemporary
Sun 12 Apr, Sun 17 May & Sun 14 Jun, 1pm-4pm
Join artist Feng-Ru Lee (Milee) to explore the art of calligraphy as a bridge between cultures.
In this series of 3 workshops in Apr, May and June, you will experiment with Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and Western approaches.
Try out different inks, papers and tools to find your flow and create your own style and designs.
Workshop Highlights:
– Explore different styles and techniques across cultures and across time
– Find out about symbolic meanings and significance
– Experiment with a variety of inks, papers, brushes and pens
– Experiment with combining elements and cultural influences to create your own designs
– Consider and practice calligraphy as a meditative and mindful activity
Free for all. This event is aimed at 15-25 year olds. Booking is required.
EXPERIMENTAL LANDSCAPE DRAWING
WITH ROSNY HAYWARD
Lakeside Arts, Performing Arts Studio
Sat 16 May 2026, 10.30am
Explore and experiment with mark-making techniques using ink, charcoal, graphite, and pencil to respond to the natural landscape surrounding Lakeside Arts.
You will then build images through cutting, tearing, and layering paper, resulting in a contemporary interpretation of the outdoors or an imagined landscape.
Open Contemporary
FABRIC Dance, Nottingham
A weekly open contemporary class led by East Midland Dance Artist Network (EMDAN) in 3 counties including Nottingham.
The sessions will be led by local dance artists and on occasion invited guest artists that are in residence at Space 2 Fabric (Nottingham).
Classes will offer the opportunity to move together in a safe and supportive environment working on different focus depending on the tutor. Please note that the named tutor may change in the case of illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
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.
PERSONALISED MYTHOLOGIES
WITH NAOMI WOOD
Lakeside Arts, Visual Arts Studio
Tue 9 Jun 2026, 6pm
Craft the moments that shape us! In this relaxed writing session, you’ll transform everyday images into personalised mythologies.
Naomi is a writer, theatre-maker and spoken-word performer with a Masters in Creative and Critical Writing from Sussex University.
SUNG THROUGH TIME
WITH DEBBIE ARMOUR OF BURD ELLEN
Lakeside Arts, Djanogly Gallery
Wed 10 Jun 2026, 6pm
Group singing has long helped us connect with our past, join us for this inspired singing workshop.
Join Debbie Armour of Burd Ellen (Guardian Top 10 Folk Albums 2020, 2022) who will draw on ideas of migration, storms, and the sea, to guide you through traditional folk songs.
No experience needed, refreshments provided.
Acting for Screen Summer School
Nottingham Playhouse
Mon 10 – Tue 11 Aug
Led by Kieran Vyas, our exciting Acting for Screen workshop will teach you all the things you need to know to stand out and shine on camera!
Ready to take your acting to the next level? Whether you dream of starring in films or TV shows, our 2-day Acting for Screen Summer School is the perfect place to start. Get hands-on experience with professional techniques, camera work, and performance style to help you shine on screen!
If you’re looking for an engaging activity to take part in this summer, this could be the workshop for you.
11-18-year-Olds
Find out more and how to apply here
Gallery Art Group
Saturdays 18 April – 16 May & 6 June – 4 July , 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
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
WORLD IN MINIATURE
WITH SIAN WATSON
Performing Arts Studio, Lakeside Arts
Sat 18 Jul 2026, 10.30am
Explore how artists and theatre-makers create miniature environments that tell big stories.
Discover how small-scale spaces evoke atmosphere, narrative, and emotion, then experiment with composition, materials, and lighting to design your own miniature world.
18+
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
Artist Roadshow: Lino Printing With Bailey Revill
This May, Ashfield Creates launches the Artist Roadshow; a new programme bringing creative workshops into community spaces across the district.
We’re kicking things off with artist Bailey Revill, who will be leading a series of lino printing workshops at five locations across Ashfield.
Click here to read more about the artist roadshow.
Try lino printing (Free drop-in sessions)
Join us at one of our relaxed, free taster sessions where you can experiment with pre-cut lino blocks and create your own prints. No experience needed, just drop in and have a go.
- Portland Market: 2 May, 8:30am–12:30pm
- Ashwood Centre: 11 May, 9:30am–12:00pm
- ATTFE Community Hub: 19 May, 10:00am–12:00pm
- Kings Family Church: 20 May, 10:00am–12:00pm
Book an in-depth workshop
If you’d like to explore lino printing in more detail, you can book onto a hands-on workshop with Bailey. Bring along a printed reference photo or simple ideas to learn how to translate these into a professional handcrafted relief print. Learn about proper printing techniques, inking up, paper types and much more, and take away your own artwork!
Venue: The Gallery, 15 Selston Rd, Jacksdale, Nottingham NG16 5LF
Date & Time: 30 May, 3:30pm–5:00pm
Tickets: £5 (spaces are limited, booking required)
Whether you drop in for a quick try or book onto the full workshop, the Artist Roadshow is a chance to get creative, learn something new, and connect with local artists right on your doorstep.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ZINES
A Creative Literacy Workshop at Nottingham Women’s Centre
Empowerment Through Zines is an 6‑week creative course designed to help you build confidence with reading, writing, and self‑expression in a relaxed, supportive space.
Together, we will explore women’s stories, rights, and experiences, using these as inspiration to create your own personal zine — a small, handmade booklet that reflects your voice, ideas, and creativity.
Throughout the course, you’ll have the chance to:
- Develop your reading, writing, and communication skills at your own pace
- Try out creative techniques such as drawing, collage, lettering and simple design
- Share stories, ideas, and inspiration with other women in a friendly group
- Build confidence through hands-on activities and gentle guidance from an experienced tutor
- By the end of the course you will create, publish and showcase your zines and contribute your work to a small exhibition in the library (optional)
Please register in advance by emailing [email protected] or call 0115 941 1475 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
Performance Masterclass for Poets and Writers
Nottingham Central Library
Wednesday 3 June, Doors 5.25pm, start 5.30pm to 7.30pm
Nottingham Central Library is proud to present voice artist Charlie Sanderson, for this amazing voice workshop as part of HiVis fortnight.
Have you dreamt of performing your own writing or stories? Or are you already sharing your work and looking to improve your stage presence? This workshop sets out to give you tips and skills to help you engage audiences, feel confident performing and at the same time really invest in how to tell your story in a way that feels authentic and comfortable to you.
Charlie has performed on the West End and Broadway, she has voiced over 300 books on audible and has writing published in the UK and USA.
Tickets: £6 per person
Painting In The Park
Specialising in woodland paintings, Nicola is passionate about sharing her knowledge and helping others gain confidence in drawing and painting from real life. During these free sessions, you’ll learn how to observe and sketch trees in their natural setting, developing the important skill of understanding of what to look for and how to draw the subject.
After exploring the park and gathering inspiration, the group will head to the Wild Rabbit Café to add colour using watercolour paints.
Suitable for beginners and improvers alike, these friendly classes are a wonderful opportunity to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy learning new creative skills with guidance from an experienced local artist.
Dates: Thursday 28th May & Thursday 4th June 2026
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: Portland Park, Kirkby-in-Ashfield
Meeting: Portland Park Main Car Park
Finishing Location: Wild Rabbit Café
Please dress appropriately for the weather and outdoor walking.
Amplify Co-Working Sessions
Nottingham Playhouse
Thu 30 Apr & Mon 18 May, 10am
For creatives who have work to be getting on with but like being around other people doing the same, Company is booked out for AMPLIFY members from 10am-5pm. We’ll provide tea and coffee. Come along for a check in first thing, and we’ll have an end of day accountability check in for those that want it. Or just drop in when it suits you – even if just to say hello.
In cosy corner, we have the Play Library up and running, so if you have any plays you’d like to re-home and gift to the theatre community, please bring them along – and of course feel free to take a play or two home with you to bring back another time.
Free | £5 suggested donation
EXPRESSIVE FIGURE PAINTING
WITH KATIE BARNSLEY
Lakside Arts, Performing Arts Studio
Sat 27 Jun 2026, 10am
Capture movement through art in this palette-knife oil painting workshop.
Learn bold, expressive techniques to paint dynamic figures inspired by sport, dance, or yoga. Bring your own action photo or choose from ours to explore texture and energy. No experience needed.
Running time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Cost: £35 including materials
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.
MEET FRED PUPPETRY WORKSHOP
WITH HIJINX THEATRE
Lakeside Arts, Performing Arts Studio
Thu 4 Jun 2026, 3pm
Discover core elements of puppetry in a fun, playful session led by the team behind Meet Fred.
Explore the games, exercises, and techniques Hijinx used to develop the show and bring characters to life.
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!
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
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.