Community Post Type: Callouts

Plays For The People: day of play, discussion and action – Shakespeare North Playhouse, held 17 Jun ’25

Join acclaimed theatre maker Andy Smith and award-winning applied arts practitioner Lynsey O’Sullivan for a day of play, discussion, and action.

This day will see three performances of plays from the ongoing project PLAYS FOR THE PEOPLE: A CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLY, HOW CAN WE BE MORE ANTI-RACIST? and THE ACTIONS. These plays tackle the climate emergency, inequality and political activism. They are plays designed to be read aloud together and then discussed. They are plays where the people in the room play the people in the play. Plays that ask questions of acting in both a theatrical and ethical sense.

Audience-participants for this special event will each be given a copy of a new publication containing the plays. Over the course of the day, through the activity, they will be trained in how to undertake performances themselves. Following it, they can then organise them for their own communities and constituencies, free of any charge.

All are welcome. Lunch will be provided. They’d like people from diverse places to join us – arts and educational institutions, community and grassroots organisations, freelance artists and interested individuals. For this reason, tickets are being offered on a pay what you can afford basis between £15 and £45.

They suggest a price of £15 for freelancers and individuals, £25 for teachers, youth workers and those representing smaller arts organisations, and £45 for participants representing bigger institutions such as arts centres and universities. Please do consider paying what you can, as it will allow us to offer bursary places and support for those who for whatever reason are not able to afford to attend.

If you are interested in coming along and would like to talk about one of these places, please visit Andy’s Website.

Participants – Sacred Sanctuary arts well-being group, closes 30 Apr ’25

Sacred Sanctuary is an intergenerational (ages 18-60+) safe and supportive arts well-being group and space offering holistic workshops in mindfulness, creativity, and self-development.

How to Apply

They’re looking for 15-20 participants aged 18-60+. If you’re interested, please complete the Google application form here.

Applications close: Wednesday, 30th April 2025

Start Date: Thursday, 1st May 2025

Places are LIMITED – Apply Now!

They look forward to welcoming you on this journey of renewal, creativity, and self-discovery

Fundraising Barn-dance for Wirral MakeFest C.I.C, held 11 Apr ’25

This fundraising barn dance at Royden Hall, featuring the lively band, The Final Nails, promises to be a fun-filled evening supporting Wirral MakeFest C.I.C on Friday 11th of April 2025. Set in the charming venue of Royden Hall in Frankby, this event offers a fantastic way for families and friends to come together, enjoy great music, and raise funds for a wonderful cause.

The upbeat tunes from The Final Nails will have everyone dancing, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner–perfect for all ages and experience levels. With a family-friendly atmosphere and a reasonably priced bar offering a selection of drinks, the night is set to be an enjoyable and memorable occasion for all who attend. It’s a brilliant way to support the creative community of Wirral while having a blast with loved ones!

Tickets for adults £8, accompanied under 16s free (please print your tickets or show your booking on your phone at the door)

See here for more details and tickets.

The Brain Charity launches £35,000 fundraiser appeal to safeguard vital services in ’25

The Brain Charity is launching an urgent appeal to raise £35,000 to offset the impact of the UK government’s recent National Insurance increase.
The government’s latest budget has increased National Insurance contributions for organisations, including charities – with hospices being the only exemption.
This means The Brain Charity, a national charity headquartered in Liverpool, will incur an additional £35,000 in costs to Inland Revenue between this April and next March.
This unexpected expense puts a strain on the charity’s resources, potentially diverting crucial funds away from the essential front-line support it provides to people affected by all forms of neurological condition.
Pippa Sargent, CEO of The Brain Charity, said: “This £35,000 increase represents a direct pressure on our ability to deliver our life-changing services.
“To put it into perspective, that sum could fund a full year of free counselling for over 200 individuals. It could also provide nearly 900 hours of vital welfare benefits support.
“It could also help 35 people per week access crucial support through our Information & Advice service, or fund more than 1,000 counselling sessions for carers who are struggling.
“This is the real impact of these increased costs, and why we are launching this appeal.”
The Brain Charity is committed to ensuring every donation makes the greatest possible impact.
Almost 80% of all funds raised go directly towards delivering essential services, with another 14.3% reinvested into fundraising efforts in which for every £1 spent we generate £6 in return.
Only 7.3% is allocated to operational costs, demonstrating the charity’s dedication to maximising every £1 donated.
Pippa added: “We are committed to showing our donors how every donation makes a tangible difference to the lives of people with neurological conditions.
“Even small, regular donations can make a huge difference. Donating as little as £2 a month would help us chip away at the gap created by increased National Insurance contributions.
“Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us to continue to provide vital services like our Neuro Gym, counselling, and information and advice services. Thank you for any level of help you can offer.”
The Brain Charity provided support to 2,734 clients from all over the UK last year and aims to continue expanding its reach.
These services are vital for individuals and families facing the challenges of neurological conditions.
The charity is urging the public to donate and support their appeal to ensure these vital services can continue.

Participants – Freddie Flashmob / Leap Festival ’25, held 5 May ’25

Head along and get involved in a joyous and MASSIVE community FLASHMOB right in the middle of L1!

The FREDDIE FLASHMOB is open to ages 16+ and all abilities. Led by Grace Goulding it is a bonkers and brilliant takeover of Church Street in L1 for Leap Dance Festival 2025 on Monday 5th May.

They’re hoping for loads of Freddies to descend upon LEAP Festival with a giant pop up performance all dressed as Freddie Mercury.

Sign up today:

1- Complete the short Google Form
2- Grace will be in touch with further details

 

Artists – St Helens Borough Council Arts Service, closes 22 Apr ’25

St Helens Borough Council Arts Service in partnership with the Cultural Department at the City of Stuttgart’s Council and GEDOK Women Artists’ Studios/Cultural Centre are pleased to announce an artist twinning opportunity. St Helens based women artist/s are invited to apply to undertake a residency at GEDOK, Stuttgart, Germany during June and/or July 2025 and a GEDOK associated artist will take part in a residency in St Helens later this year.

St Helens, twinned with Stuttgart, has a long history of collaborations including previous artist exchange projects between GEDOK and St Helens. This new twinning exchange is supported using public funding by Arts Council England and Stuttgart Council’s Cultural Department.

GEDOK STUTTGART

◾This opportunity is open to women practitioners of most arts disciplines that currently live in St Helens.

◾Free live/work accommodation plus an award of £2,500 per month to cover living expenses and travel costs.

❗Closing date for applications: 9.30am on Tuesday 22 April 2025.

For full information visit St Helens Arts In Libraries website – https://artsinlibraries.sthelens.gov.uk/article/12928/STUTTGART-Artist-Residency-Opportunity

PLACED Academy Studio 2025-26 – Youth Programme, closes 15 June ’25

Applications are now OPEN for the PLACED Academy Studio 2025/26, our flagship award-winning FREE programme of creative activities and professional development opportunities for young people who are currently in Years 9-12 who live in Northwest England.

The PLACED Academy is designed to tackle barriers young people face in accessing professional careers in the built environment, including architecture, planning, urban design and landscape architecture. They seek to support greater diversity in the sector, enabling young people to develop a wide range of skills, grow in confidence and feel empowered to shape the places of the future. The programme runs from July 2025 – March 2026 with monthly sessions and is funded by some fantastic practices and organisations and they can support travel costs (subject to circumstances).

Applications close Sunday 15th June, there are just 60 places available. The link to the application form is HERE.

As part of the programme, young people will;

Participate in monthly creative projects and professional development activities through collaborative sessions and independent work (face-to-face in Liverpool and Manchester)
Develop knowledge and skills in design, communication, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork and public speaking
Grow in confidence, input on real life projects, and feel empowered to shape future decisions about where they live
Learn more about careers in the built environment and opportunities available to them and be mentored by professionals from the sector, gaining unique insight
Gain experience that will enhance their CV and applications for higher education and employment, helping them stand out from the crowd.

YEARS 9-12 – FREE PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE NORTHWEST
PLACED Academy Studio requires nothing from schools other than the young people to apply! See poster for teachers and youth organisations, and a separate poster to be given to young people, with a QR code to scan for the application form. Please share, forward, pass on, print, upload the poster anyway you like, we’re looking for people of all abilities and backgrounds. If you’d like us to pop in and chat to students, let us know.

The PLACED Academy is designed to tackle barriers young people face in accessing professional careers in the built environment, including architecture, planning, urban design and landscape architecture. We seek to support greater diversity in the sector, enabling young people to develop a wide range of skills, grow in confidence and feel empowered to shape the places of the future. The programme runs from July 2025 – March 2026 with monthly sessions and is funded by some fantastic practices and organisations and we can support travel costs (subject to circumstances). You can find out more about the programme and who sponsors us on the website (placed-academy.com)

Applications close Sunday 15th June, there are just 60 places available. The link to the application form – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LMB2ZBT

As part of the programme, young people will;

– Participate in monthly creative projects and professional development activities through collaborative sessions and independent work (face-to-face in Liverpool and Manchester)
– Develop knowledge and skills in design, communication, problem-solving, leadership, teamwork and public speaking
– Grow in confidence, input on real life projects, and feel empowered to shape future decisions about where they live
– Learn more about careers in the built environment and opportunities available to them and be mentored by professionals from the sector, gaining unique insight
– Gain experience that will enhance their CV and applications for higher education and employment, helping them stand out from the crowd.

Event

No prior understanding needed, just an interest in the built environment.

Young musicians / artists – BBC Radio 1 Music Outreach Activity, opens 1 Apr ’25

BBC Radio 1, BBC Introducing and BBC Radio Merseyside have teamed up with 3 iconic venues to find the most exciting new artists from Merseyside, ahead of Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Liverpool this May.

Sunday 6th April: The Jacaranda – 6pm

Tuesday 8th April: Future Yard, Birkenhead – 7pm

Wednesday 9th April: Connolly’s Irish Pub, Southport – 6:30pm

Making music and you’ve not been played on BBC Introducing before? They want to hear from you! Come down to one of their Open Mic nights, showcase your songs and you could be played on Radio 1! They’re looking for young artists who haven’t had loads of exposure before – so if you’re at the start of your musical journey (rather than a seasoned pro) this is for you.. Register your interest to play via this link. 16+. 16 and 17 year olds MUST be accompanied by an adult.

Writers – Pick Up Your Pen Club, held throughout 2025

Pick Up Your Pen is an online writing club. It’s for a whole host of writers including –

Authors with a manuscript to finish or a business book to get over the line.
Writers of all genres who need a bit of confidence sharing work.
Authors or writers who need a bit of accountability to keep them focused.
Writers who love being creative and want to make more time for that in their lives.
Writers who want to learn new skills and enjoy guest talks from a range of people including industry specialists.

The opportunity is available to anyone who wants to focus on their writing instead of procrastinating.
The sessions are all held online via Zoom.

Dates for sessions are as follows – either 1st or 2nd Monday of the month 7.30pm-9.00pm, 2nd and 3rd Thursday of the month 7.30-8.30pm and last Friday of the month 9.30am-11.00am.

There is also a Facebook group for members which has regular post full of information, writing prompts and writing tips.

Event

More information can be found at https://littlelambpublishing.co.uk/product/pick-up-your-pen-membership/

Artists – Sefton Pride, closes 31 Mar ’25

Sefton Pride are leaving their inbox open until the end of this month for artists to apply.

They can then review submissions and confirm acts by the end of April and enjoy announcing the acts throughout May!

Keep following them for news of other Pride related events through the borough this pride month.

Sefton Pride 2025, held 14th June, Salt & Tar, Bootle.

Contact via Facebook here

Closing date: 31 March