Culture Burnley

19/06/2026

Open call for artists to work with local communities...

We’re seeking artists of any discipline to work with local residents over the course of a year to help nurture connections between them and the natural world found along the canal corridor.

We are looking for three separate practices to work in three places along the stretch - in Pendle, Burnley and Hyndburn. Super Slow Way has been working with communities in these places over the past ten years and has formed strong relationships with people who are passionate about where they live and eager to understand and develop the natural assets along the canal on their doorsteps. Many of these disused green spaces are sites of former cotton mills that were demolished at the end of the last century and carry that history.

For more information and the full application process and requirements, please visithttps://superslowway.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SSW-Residencies-2627.pdf 🔗

• Application deadline: 5pm, Friday 26th June 2026

• Interviews: Week of 13th July - exact dates TBC

• Projects to take place between: September 2026 - Sept 2027

📧 Please email applications to [email protected] by 5pm, Friday 26th June 2026

18/06/2026

This week we passed the 200 day mark in the countdown to !
200 days until we start our year-long celebration of people and place. We had great fun making this film using green screen in the auditorium at Mechanics Theatre - I think this was take 5 and we were feeling a bit giddy by that point – you might be able to tell! Thanks to our university intern Faith for putting her new film making skills into practice

Now it’s over to you to tell us how you will be involved. Are you part of a creative group, an independent artist, a business who wants to give something back to the community or to sponsor Year of Culture activities. Do you need advice on funding or partners to help your ideas happen? Do you need support from our volunteer Culture Makers? Do you want to be a Culture Maker? Or do you just want a chat to find out more about how you can get involved? Then just DM us or sign up via culture.burnley.co.uk

If you are planning an event, project or activity for 2027 that you think fits with Year of Culture, then tell us about it for the event calendar – we’re looking for anything that brings people together whether it’s focused on community, wellbeing, sport, new skills, technology, gardening, digital as well as performances, music and the full range of creative activities – if in doubt, just tell us about it - we’d love to hear more about what’s happening.
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/zBELsJxKGN

17/06/2026

Hard hitting evening at Burnley Mechanics Theatre for Culture vs. War. Such an important film telling the story of Ukranian videographers, photographers, actors and musicians who joined the Ukranian volunteer army to defend their homes against the full scale Russian invasion. Creatives who continue to challenge and combat the destruction through creative expression and documenting the realities of war.

16/06/2026

Culture vs. War - Wednesday 17 June, 7pm (doors open 6pm) Burnley Mechanics Theatre 🎟 Free admission

As part of Refugee Week 2026 Burnley Mechanics is hosting a special screening of the Ukrainian documentary film “Culture vs War”.

The film tells powerful stories of Ukrainian artists, musicians, filmmakers, and cultural figures who continue to create, resist, and represent Ukraine to the world during the war. Through personal stories, music, art, and documentary footage, the project explores how culture becomes a form of resilience, identity, and international dialogue during wartime.

Before the screening, guests will also have the opportunity to view the “Culture vs War” photo exhibition featuring powerful visual stories from Ukraine.

“Culture vs War” is an international cultural diplomacy project initiated by the “Watch Ukrainian!” Association with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the MHP-Hromadi Foundation.

https://burnleymechanics.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873686777

Donations in support of future Ukrainian cultural initiatives are welcomed.

The event is organised by KRYLA CULTURE CIC, UK Coordinator of the Culture vs War project, in partnership with Ukrainian Hub Preston, with the support of Lancashire County Council and Burnley Mechanics Theatre.
Burnley Leisure & Culture

16/06/2026

A new weekly creative workshop is running at Burnley Central Library starting on Thursday 18 June at 1pm, bringing together simple printmaking, handmade bookbinding and relaxed community learning in one accessible session.

Using gel printing plates and water-based inks, participants will create layered prints full of colour, texture and pattern. No presses, specialist machinery or previous experience are needed: just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

Everything needed for the session is provided, including paper, inks, thread, needles and binding materials. The workshops are aimed at adults aged 18+ and are designed for complete beginners as well as anyone looking to reconnect with creative making in a relaxed environment.

For more information and to book your place visit: https://communitystudios.art/printandbind/

Community Studios CIC is a small start-up focused on bringing open-access art and printmaking studios to Burnley, with aims to create accessible opportunities for people to explore art, creativity and practical making skills within the local community.

Whether you’re interested in printmaking, sketchbooks, zines, journaling or simply trying something new, Print & Bind offers a chance to slow down, make something tactile and spend time creating alongside others.

Print & Bind
Weekly on Thursdays at Burnley Central Library, 1pm
£5 per session
Adults 18+
All materials included

13/06/2026

Do you have an idea for a project that will strengthen communities and local pride? Grants of up to £10k available for projects delivered by end of March 2027...

💷 Community Pride Small Grants Programme 2026/27 – Applications Now Open!

Do you have an idea that could make a positive difference in your community?

Burnley Council's Community Pride Small Grants Programme is now accepting applications from voluntary, community and faith organisations, charities, CICs, and community groups across the borough. Grants of £1,000 to £10,000 are available to support projects that build community pride, strengthen neighbourhoods, encourage participation, and help local communities
Community Pride Small Grants Programme is now accepting applications from voluntary, community and faith organisations, charities, CICs, and community groups across the borough.

Grants of £1,000 to £10,000 are available to support projects that build community pride, strengthen neighbourhoods, encourage participation, and help local communities throughout Burnley thrive!

Projects could focus on:
✅ Community engagement and cohesion
✅ Improving local places and neighbourhoods
✅ Supporting young and older residents
✅ Building resilience and independence
✅ Developing partnerships across the community sector

A total fund of £100,000 is available for 2026/27, with projects to be delivered by March 2027.

For full details and to apply, visit:

https://burnley.gov.uk/benefits/community-pride-small-grants-programme-2026-27-now-open/

12/06/2026

The Rising Star award is one of our favourite Culture Burnley Awards as we love being able to celebrate the achievements of the next generation of creatives. Congratulations to highly commended Ruby Whittaker and particularly to our winner Grace Blizzard. Both are doing amazing things and have exciting careers ahead of them!
John Gillmore Burnley Light Opera Society Burnley Youth Theatre Blaze Arts Creative Talent Management Limited Burnley Leisure & Culture

12/06/2026

Cowboy hats at the ready!

Looking to get out and about this weekend? 🎉

A community-led session of ‘Line Dancin’ in the Park’ with Rodeo Duo is taking place at Towneley Park on Saturday 13th June from 11am to 2pm.

It’s free to attend, family friendly, and everyone is welcome no matter your age or ability. Come along, enjoy the music and have a go!

Bring your own picnic, chairs or blankets, and remember to stay hydrated.

10/06/2026

Calling all artists!
Towneley Hall, Historic House, Art Gallery & Museum and Creative Spaces Burnley are inviting you to submit your work to a brand new open exhibition in Burnley - 'Town To Towneley'.

It is open to artists, aged 16+ who are from Burnley or currently living, working, studying or volunteering, in the borough. Whether art is your hobby, you are an emerging artist or established practitioner, they are hoping to see a wide range of styles, media and techniques represented.

The submission dates are July 3rd - 5th at Towneley Hall. Selected works will be shown at Towneley, in the Temporary Exhibition Gallery, and at Gallery OneTwoThree in Burnley town centre. The exhibition will run from July 18th to September 27th.

All the details are on the website: https://towneley.org.uk/whats-on/town-to-towneley-artists/

Please share!

Town to Towneley: Burnley Art Open 2026 is a new open-call exhibition celebrating artists with a connection to Burnley and the wider borough.