We are on the lookout for creatives and facilitators to deliver workshops for our Awaaz 2026 Programme.

About Awaaz

Awaaz is a year-round programme of events and activities celebrating and showcasing South Asian arts, culture, and community.

Following an incredible first year, we are expanding the programme for 2026 and beyond. Alongside growing our events offer, we are excited to connect with new artists and creatives, creating opportunities both for local audiences and for practitioners looking to share their work.

What We’ve Done So Far

• Yoga and wellbeing sessions
• Embroidery, textiles, and fabric art
• Creative writing and storytelling
• Bhangra and Bollywood dance
• Semi-classical dance
• Saree draping
• Arabic calligraphy
• Cake decorating
• Play readings and community performances
• Paratha and naan-making demonstrations

We also programme activity around cultural and faith celebrations important to our community, including Ramadan, Eid, Holi, and Diwali.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking creatives who can work with local communities to deliver engaging, inclusive workshops. We welcome both established facilitators and artists interested in developing participatory work.

You can propose:

• A single workshop or a series of sessions
• New ideas or existing workshop formats
• Activities for specific age groups or abilities, or open-access sessions

We are particularly interested in ideas that celebrate South Asian culture, creativity, heritage, or contemporary experiences.

Workshop Details

• Workshops will last 1 to 2.5 hours
• Activities will primarily take place at The Octagon Theatre
• Some workshops may also take place within community settings
• Programming dates are flexible between March 2026 to March 2027
• Artists and participants may also have the opportunity to share work at the Octagon

Fees

£100: 1 hour workshops
£150: workshops longer than 1 hour

Who Should Apply?

We welcome applications from South Asian creatives across disciplines.

Priority will be given to artists who:

• Live in the Bolton area and surrounding areas, or
• Have strong connections to South Asian communities in Bolton
• This supports our ongoing aim to grow the Octagon’s local creative network.

How to Apply

Please complete our short Expression of Interest form below.
The deadline for these is Friday 10th April. 
We will have a short interview process which will take place on either the 13th or 17th April.

Questions?

If you would like to discuss an idea before applying, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact our Community Engagement Lead Nipa at Niparun.nessa@octagonbolton.co.uk