There are lots of creative workshops in Liverpool and the city region this spring, so we’ve brought a selection together to inspire you to try something new or pick up an old hobby. There’s printmaking, photography, poetry, performance, bookbinding and more. These sessions are led by artists, organisations and independent creative spaces rooted in the local scene, offering something for everyone regardless of experience level.
Take a look at what’s on offer and find a creative workshop in Liverpool and the city region that inspires you.
Writing, Poetry & Storytelling
Writing on the Wall: The Writer’s Bloc (Various Dates)
Writing on the Wall’s Writer’s Bloc brings together a community of writers and creative thinkers from across the Liverpool City Region, creating welcoming spaces where writers of all backgrounds can write, connect and grow together. There’s upcoming sessions at Toxteth Library (24 April), Birkenhead Library (27 April, 11 May) and Bootle Library (29 April, 13 May).
Poetry Workshop for Refugees and Migrants, Open Eye Gallery (5 May)
If you are 18 and over, and identify as a refugee or migrant, you are invited to take part in a poetry workshop as part of the Immigrant Scar collaborative project exploring shared experiences of migration. You would be invited to view some artwork, play a card game, and participate in co-producing a free verse poem at Open Eye Gallery. If you are interested and would like more information, please register at Eventbrite or contact Principal Investigator Sandra Mutukwa, LJMU postgraduate student: S.Mutukwa@2022.ljmu.ac.uk.
Creating the Comic: Storytelling, Collaboration and What Comes Next, The Library at LJMU (22 April)
This combined talk and workshop invites people to explore the process behind creating the Drawing on Forced Marriage: Teaching Tough Topics Through Comics project and comic. We will hear from Hannah Baumeister, Senior Lecturer at LJMU who will share the story behind the comic—how it was developed, the collaborative process, the research insights that shaped it, and the decisions behind the visual and narrative style.
Art & Printmaking Workshops
Creative Bookbinding Techniques, Bluecoat (25 April)
Get hands-on with the craft of bookbinding in this practical one day workshop exploring traditional bookbinding techniques – Japanese Stab Stitch, Blizzard Binding and Concertina Binding. You’ll end the session with a set of handmade, hand-bound books to take home.
Introduction to UV Screen Printing, Bluecoat (9 May)
During this one day UV screen printing course you will learn the basics of screen printing, including learning about the materials used and processes involved in creating a UV exposed screen. After preparing and exposing your own screen, you’ll get time to draw your own image to print, or you can bring a suitable image with you.
Print for Beginners, Bluecoat (9-10 May)
This weekend course is a perfect taster session into three areas of printmaking; Planographic, Relief and Intaglio printmaking. The course is designed for beginners who would like an introduction to printmaking and those who would like a taster of different printmaking techniques before committing to a day course.
Introduction to Woodcut Printing, Bluecoat (6 June)
The woodcut printing technique involves carving a design into a wooden block leaving a raised design. This is then inked and printed to reveal a distinct wood grain texture and tactile quality in the print. In this one day session you’ll learn the basics of woodcut printing and leave the workshop with a small edition of prints, your original wood blocks and the knowledge and confidence to continue the process yourself.
Still Life Drawing & Screen Printing, Bluecoat (13 June)
Combine observational drawing with printmaking in this hybrid workshop that moves from sketchbook to final print. You’ll start off the morning session by drawing from a still life arrangement, which is followed by a screenprinting session of your drawing in the afternoon. You’ll leave the workshop with a unique, handmade piece of art.
Photography, Film & Media
Creative Film Criticism with Catherine Grant, FACT Liverpool (7 May)
Internationally recognised figure in videographic criticism, Catherine Grant, introduces a creative way of exploring film through image and sound, in a supportive and exploratory workshop hosted by Let’s Make Films (LMF). The morning session offers participants a masterclass with Catherine, with the afternoon session shifting into a hands-on introduction to DaVinci Resolve and a guided exercise where participants create a short video essay using a PechaKucha format. Participants will move between watching, discussing and making, with time to develop a short piece and share it with the group.
Introduction to Photography: Ed Ruscha, Tate Liverpool (9 May)
This hands-on photography workshop is inspired by ARTIST ROOMS: Ed Ruscha, exploring Liverpool’s urban landscape and architectural photography. Led by photographer James O. Davies, the session includes practical tips, a guided city walk to capture your own images, and an exclusive curator-led tour of the exhibition. Suitable for all levels, with support provided—just bring a camera or smartphone.
Performance, Theatre & Creative Practice
A Life Drawing Less Ordinary, Shakespeare North Playhouse (9 May)
A Life (Drawing) Less Ordinary is a relaxed, creative social where participants can sketch, paint or sculpt while being inspired by live contemporary dance and music performances. Taking place in the Gallery at Shakespeare North Playhouse, the session invites you to respond to movement in your own way as performers move around the space. Usually priced at £12, this unique workshop is free as part of Leap Dance Festival 2026—just bring your own materials and book a spot in advance.
Political Songs Workshop -Sing, March, Protest with Patrick Dineen, Unity Theatre (23 May)
Join composer and lyricist Patrick Dineen for a hands-on workshop exploring political songs from the Spanish Civil War through to the 1960s, from stirring marches to witty cabaret numbers. Taking place at Unity Theatre, it’s a chance to sing through music full of protest, humour and stories of injustice.
Do It Yourself: Making Political Theatre, Unity Theatre (29 May)
Rhiannon White, co-founder of award-winning political theatre company Common/Wealth, shares the story of their DIY origins and how they’ve built a practice around radical, community-rooted theatre. Do It Yourself: Making Political Theatre will be full of practical tips, inspiration, and a rallying call to make political theatre yourself.
Professional Development & Training
Trauma-Informed Practice for Participatory Artists, Collective Encounters (25 June)
This online workshop helps artists and facilitators develop a trauma-informed approach to working in creative and community settings. Led by experienced practitioners, it offers practical tools for creating safe, supportive spaces, alongside insight into trauma and its impact. Aimed at artists, theatre-makers and activists, it supports those using creativity as a tool for positive social change.
Retreats
The Big Bucket Retreat 2026: Eat, Sleep, Clown, Repeat, Bidston Observatory (17-19 July)
This three-day clowning retreat by Ugly Bucket Theatre at Bidston Observatory brings together workshops, shared experiences and plenty of creative play in a really unique setting. Open to all levels, it’s all about building confidence, connection and self-expression through clowning. With a mix of masterclasses and communal activities, it’s a relaxed, supportive space to get creative, meet new people and try something a bit different.
You can discover more creative workshops and events by visiting our What’s On listings.