Free arts industry course for Oldham teens

Creative teens in Oldham are 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 (pictured below) or visual arts taster sessions as well as exploring career paths and learning how to stage an event. 

Delivered by Tameside Carnival arts organisation Global Grooves, it is open to young people aged 13-18 and will run on Monday evenings at The Old Museum, opposite Gallery Oldham. 

Over nine sessions, from November 2025 to January 2026, participants will hear from inspirational arts role models and have the chance to chat with them about their own goals and creative ambitions.  

They will 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 at The Vale arts centre in Mossley, Tameside, 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 Oldham 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 Monday, November 3 from 6.30-8.30pm at The Old Museum, Greaves Street, Oldham, OL1 1AL. 

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-oldham/ by Monday, October 20, 2025.