Community Arts North West

01/09/2026

Every voice deserves a platform.

The arts give us ways to share experiences, celebrate identity, challenge injustice and tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.

But too many people remain absent from our stages, galleries and cultural conversations.

At CAN, we work alongside artists and communities so that people can tell their own stories, in their own voices and on their own terms.

Creating a more inclusive arts sector is not simply about inviting people in. It is about listening, sharing power and recognising the value of every lived experience.

Whose stories would you like to see represented more often?

https://comartsnw.org.uk

31/08/2026

The arts should open doors, not create barriers.

True access means more than extending an invitation.

It means considering where activities happen, what they cost, how information is communicated and whether people feel represented, respected and genuinely welcome.

It means listening to communities and being prepared to change how we work.

At CAN, we believe cultural opportunities should be shaped with people—not simply provided for them.

Together, we can create an arts sector in which more people can participate, contribute and thrive.

https://comartsnw.org.uk

30/08/2026

When people create, communities change.

The impact of community arts does not end when the workshop, exhibition or performance finishes.

Creativity can build confidence, strengthen relationships and help communities express what matters to them. It can uncover hidden stories, challenge assumptions and turn shared experiences into collective action.

At Community Arts North West, we believe that bringing people together through creativity can help build fairer, stronger and more connected communities.

Art cannot solve every problem—but it can help people imagine that something different is possible.

Discover our work: https://comartsnw.org.uk

29/08/2026

Creativity creates belonging.

Making something together can help people connect across differences in age, language, culture and life experience.

A shared song, performance, painting or story can begin a conversation. It can build confidence, create friendships and help people feel part of something bigger.

At Community Arts North West, collaboration and co-creation are at the heart of our work. We create spaces where people can meet as artists, neighbours and equals.

Because when people feel welcomed and valued, creativity flourishes.

Learn more about our work: https://comartsnw.org.uk

28/08/2026

Art belongs to everyone.

Creativity should not depend on your income, postcode, background or whether you already feel comfortable entering a cultural space.

Everyone should have the opportunity to explore their imagination, develop their talents and experience the joy of creating alongside others.

At Community Arts North West, we work with artists, communities and voluntary organisations to make creativity more accessible, welcoming and representative of the people around us.

Because art does not belong to institutions or a privileged few.

It belongs to all of us.

Find out more about CAN: https://comartsnw.org.uk

27/08/2026

🎨 Arts Emergency is recruiting mentors in Greater Manchester and Merseyside!

The brilliant arts charity Arts Emergency welcomes mentors from all art forms and creative professions to work with working-class young people.

Our Marketing Associate, Sue, is proud to be an Arts Emergency volunteer mentor and can personally vouch for the impact of the programme:

“I’m a working-class person, and know the barriers that working-class people face in accessing opportunities in the creative sector. Being a mentor has been a brilliant experience and a highlight of my career. The opportunity to share my knowledge and experience has been really enriching. And it’s not a one-way street; I’ve learned so much from my mentee.”

If you have experience, knowledge or insights to share, why not give someone starting out in the creative industries a helping hand?

Apply to become an Arts Emergency mentor! 💫 Applications close Friday 4 September.

Registration to become an Arts Emergency mentor in 2027 is now open. Deadline: Friday 4th September

27/08/2026

Talent is everywhere. Access isn’t.

Across Greater Manchester, people can face barriers to taking part in the arts—from cost, disability and language to displacement, confidence or simply feeling that cultural spaces are not meant for them.

At Community Arts North West, we believe creativity is not a privilege. Everyone deserves the opportunity to create, express themselves, connect with others and have their voice heard.

We work alongside artists and communities to help remove barriers and create spaces where everyone can belong.

If you believe the arts should be open to everyone, please share this message.

Discover more about CAN: https://comartsnw.org.uk

26/08/2026

A fantastic even from So Many Beauties - creative music making for people living with dementiat coming up at The Bridgewater Hall. on Monday 14 September. Lunch time concert. 😍 Shared Harmonies workshop. 😍 Dementia Disco 😍 Book via the QR code below.

19/08/2026

Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance Conference 2026

Do you work in culture, health and wellbeing? Between Wednesday 7 - Friday 9 October, this conference brings together artists, creatives, researchers, policy-makers and health professionals to explore how creative health can drive meaningful systemic change.
Speakers include ACE’s CEO Darren Henley and Director of Creative Health and Change Hollie Smith-Charles, alongside workshops, performances, and opportunities to connect with peers across the sector. A number of bursaries are available. Check out the details here.

https://www.culturehealthandwellbeing.org.uk/chwa-conference-2026?_cldee=TY6tyUAKby3vhq0b6UMLrBXHPv-sZE_-e9d9kMc5jWu5UZdC_SrrT09KUN4Ylq_o&recipientid=contact-8f32ea9a93ddea11a813000d3a0ba026-4d0a9888e09f459dbc801e64d3e60d38&esid=fc52467f-9394-f111-b8dc-7c1e527892ac&fbclid=IwY2xjawTyc6ZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4yokZbCTXqo58xi9xF8S2f2rR2z-BRvt5X8cjh70rQ-8od9cUmykr4Z58ixQ_aem_NhpYUaj-c00eff81VEIg5Q

CHWA's conference will run from 7-9 October 2026 in Barnsley. Book your tickets here, including in-person and digital Apply for one of 10 bursary spaces (deadline 10am, Monday 7 September) Apply to volunteer at the conference (deadline 5pm, Monday 7 September)Read the programme here or listen to an....

19/08/2026

🙌🙌🙌Disabled artists across England, Scotland, and Wales can now apply for Unlimited's Partner Awards. Ranging from £15-£40k, the grants will support the creation of extraordinary new work across theatre, performance, digital media, visual arts, and more. From research and development through to presentation and touring.
Deadline for applications - midday, Monday 28 September.
Find out more here 👇

11 awards totalling £280,000, available to disabled artists across England, Scotland, and Wales through partnerships with organisations across the UK