Collective Encounters are delighted to announce that we have been awarded funding to run a year long programme of workshops, performances, professional training, and other events, using creativity to improve health and wellbeing in Liverpool City Region.
Over 11 months, artists and residents will co-create powerful participatory theatre, touring performances and artist development, to engage underrepresented communities in telling their stories, making connections, and steering health policy.
The whole thing kicks off in May with some free community events, inviting people in Liverpool, Knowsley and South Sefton to explore what ‘fairer health’ would look like in their neighbourhoods. Also in May, our Radical Joy Cabaret will set the tone for the kind of performance, participation, and politics you can expect throughout the year.
Read on to find out about how you can get involved. More activities will be announced, so keep checking their social media and newsletters for updates.
Free community events
What would fairer health look like where you live? Collective Encounters is hosting free community events in Knowsley, South Sefton, and Liverpool.
- How fair is access to health services where you live?
- What works well – and what needs to change?
- Whose voices are heard when decisions are made?
In each area, a relaxed introductory session will provide a chance to share your thoughts and experiences, meet others, and find out about a series of workshops you can take part in during the summer. It’s a no-pressure introduction. No previous creative experience is necessary. Come along and try it out!
Centre 63, Old Hall Lane, Kirkby L32 5TH: Tuesday 19 May, 10am – 1pm
Netherton Library, Glover’s Lane, Sefton L30 3TL: Wednesday 20 May, 12 – 2:30pm
Kuumba Imani Centre, 4 Princes Road, Liverpool L8 1TH: Thursday 25 June, 10am – 12:30pm
For more information, click on the dates above or contact Abi:
abi@collective-encounters.org.
Radical Joy Cabaret
Joy can be a radical act of resistance in this time of austerity. Head along to find out how we can use joy to mobilise and fight back.
Performed by Collective Encounters’ Adult Theatre for Social Change group, the cabaret will weave a story of radical joy through songs, sketches and scenes, and will reflect on the world through the lens of our assets, not our deficits.
The Brink, Parr Street, L1 4JN: Saturday 23 May, 7pm
Tickets: pay what you can
Access: BSL interpretation, integrated audio description, step-free venue
Join their regular groups
Adult Theatre for Social Change company, alternate Saturdays 11am-2pm, St Michael in the City L1 5BD – open to all aged 18+
Women in Action, Tuesdays 1-3pm, Unity Theatre – open to women aged 18+ trans and gender non-conforming inclusive
Online Drama Group, one Friday a month 1-3pm, Zoom – open to all aged 18+
Black Maternal Health creative peer support group, one Friday a month 12-2pm, Black-E L1 5EW – open to Afro-descendent mothers aged 18+
For more info, visit here