Collective Encounters invites artists, activists and academics at all stages of their career to join one of our online masterclasses, training or open space events. We also offer bespoke professional development opportunities to organisations. If you’re looking to commission a masterclass, training or open space event contact marianne@collective-encounters.org.uk
TRAINING AND MASTERCLASSES
As part of our professional development offer we deliver a range of masterclasses in participatory arts practice. These include:
- Making Theatre from Lived Experience
- Facilitation Skills Training
- Co-creation and Co-Production
- Creative Projects with Care-Experienced Young People
- Co-Creating Political Theatre
- Everyday Creativity for People Living with Dementia
- Community Centred Research in a Creative Context
- Arts Activism and Creative Advocacy
“Loved this workshop! The most engaging online event I have been to. I will definitely attend more by Collective Encounters and share with others I work with.”
– Feedback from attendee of Making Theatre from Lived Experience masterclass
We also run sessions on arts management and participatory evaluation approaches.
“It really got me thinking about what sets my work apart from ‘mainstream’ arts and inspired and motivated me to celebrate the power of this industry. I felt proud to be amongst creatives making carefully thought through and well informed work that carpeted social action WITH and BY the people that it serves” –
Feedback from attendee of Managing Arts Projects with a Social Impact training course
Trauma Informed Practice
Our regular training on Trauma Informed Practice for Participatory Artists takes a social justice approach to understanding trauma in a creative context. In this session our trainers support artists to grow practical skills in managing groups and facilitating creative projects with a trauma informed approach.
“I really appreciated the depth of knowledge the facilitators had yet shared with such humble approaches. The session made me realise that each person/case with trauma issues is in need of care, empathy and imagination.”
– Feedback from attendee of Trauma Informed Practice for Participatory Artists Training
OPEN SPACE EVENTS
Open Spaces are participant-led events where the agenda and discussion are driven by those in the room. At the beginning of the event guest speakers introduce key ideas, principles and practices behind the theme and offer provocations for discussion. There is an opportunity to ask questions and start thinking critically around the subject at hand. In the second part, we set the agenda together and participants are able to move freely between conversations, network and learn together.
“Collective Encounters offers such a great opportunity to reflect and learn and observe.”
– Feedback from attendee at Co-Production, Power Sharing and Shared Decision Making (Open Space event)
“So inspiring, sparked loads of ideas and also great to meet other people with similar interests and goals.”
– Feedback from attendee at Creativity and Climate Justice (Open Space event)
Each event is designed to address issues that are relevant to using the arts as a tool for change during a period of global uncertainty, stark inequality and climate crisis.
“I’ve attended one of these style events before about anti-racism. I always leave with lots of questions and thoughts – especially from the break-out conversations as people chew over their issues.”
Feedback from attendee of Reaching Excluded Communities (Open Space event)
ARTS FOR SOCIAL CHANGE SHOWCASE
The Arts for Social Change Showcase is a unique annual event of quick-fire presentations by people passionate about using the arts for social change. Presenters have no longer than 5 minutes to talk about their theme, project, issue, community and/or infatuation. The showcase is a great way for artists, activists and community organisers to grow ideas, share and celebrate achievements, rage about something or highlight something that needs to change.
