Free arts course set to start with a bang

Teens in Tameside have been invited to sign up for a free course that could open the door to a career in the arts.

The Creative Careers programme includes a choice of music, dance, or visual arts taster sessions as well as exploring career paths and learning how to stage an event.

The course, delivered by Global Grooves the Tameside Carnival arts organisation, is open to young people aged 13-18.

The nine sessions will run on Wednesday evenings at the Vale in Mossley from November 2025 to January 2026.

Young people will hear from inspirational arts role models and have the chance to talk to talk to them about their goals and creative ambitions. Participants will also gain a deeper understanding of what it means to work in the arts industry through practical tasks and have the opportunity to further their skills and knowledge by working with like-minded artists already in the industry.

Additional taster days for arts and crew training will run on November and January weekends.

There will also be the chance to join Global Grooves for work experience on large scale events in Tameside, Stockport, Rochdale, and Manchester during November and December.

Holly Prest, artistic director, Global Grooves, said: "Creative Careers is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and join a network of creatives based where you live.

"You will have the opportunity to explore your creative side, feel excited about learning new things and look forward to future volunteering, placement, and employment opportunities with the organisations and artists involved in the course.

"It's an absolute must for young people in Tameside who are interested in a creative career."

Saskia, 18, attended the Creative Careers course last year. She said: “This course was absolutely amazing with incredible people on it and I’m very glad I signed up and attended.

“It really helped me understand that a career in the creative industry is possible. I received four unconditional offers from universities for costume design and am now so excited to step foot into industry with all the knowledge the sessions have provided.” 

Global Grooves are particularly interested in supporting young people who are either neurodivergent, have no qualifications, are not currently in work or education, or have faced barriers elsewhere. Young people with additional needs are eligible to join up to the age of 25.

The first session is on Wednesday 5 November 6:30-8:30pm at The Vale, Unit 2 Vale Mill, Micklehurst Road, Mossley, OL5 9JL. 

Travel expenses can be claimed back on request and access requirements or any questions can be emailed to  holly@globalgrooves.org or discussed on 0161 870 6895.

To sign up, complete this form  https://www.globalgrooves.org/whats-on/creative-careers-tameside/ by Monday 20 October 2025.