Z-arts Artist Workshops & Opportunities

Z-arts is committed to supporting the development of artists and their work.

This page is our Artist Workshop page, where we will list all the workshops taking place at Z-arts for artists to be able to book on to.

Some of these workshops will be paid for, other will be free to attend. If you wish to attend one of the workshop that costs money to book and you circumstances mean you’re unable to pay for the space, that is totally fine. We have bursary places available for artists. Information for how to get a bursary place at any of the paid workshop will be listed under the ‘Cost’ section of each workshop.

Upcoming Workshops and Opportunities:

Manchester International Bubble Conference

From 3-7 March Z-Arts is hosting Manchester International Bubble Festival 2026 – the UK’s premier gathering for bubble artistry, innovation and performance.

The event is hosted by Ray Bubbles, the UK’s leading bubble artist working in theatres, science centres and SEN schools. Across the festival, you’ll dive into a rich programme designed to strengthen your stagecraft, expand your creative toolkit and add fresh magic to your shows.

· Tuesday 3rd March – Beginners’ Toolkit Day Outdoor bubbles, hand bubbles and reliable DIY recipes to build a strong foundation.

· Wednesday 4th March – Creative Techniques & Business Growth Bubble sculpture, helium/steam/fire effects, and practical strategies to grow your performance business.

· Thursday 5th March – Performance & Storytelling Bubble table work, movement on stage, creative writing and a professional photoshoot to elevate your brand.

· Friday 6th March – Advanced Tricks & Audience Engagement Bubble wall and poi, special bubble effects, and social media techniques to boost visibility and impact.

You’ll learn from world‑class instructors, discover new techniques, explore cutting‑edge equipment, and gain practical skills you can immediately apply to your own shows – from stagecraft and special effects to business growth and audience engagement.

For a limited time, you can benefit from an exclusive offer:

· Beginners’ Day – perfect for first‑timers £100 (reduced from £150)

· Up to four full days of professional training £200 (reduced from £400)

Z-arts is also offering two artists bursaries for artists who want to attend but the cost is a barrier.

If you would like to have a bursary place for the conference, you need to email Isah at Z-arts (isah@z-arts.org) by Monday 16th February 2026 12:00pm with your bursary request, confirmation you can attend the whole week, not just odd days here and there, and an answer to the question, ‘Why is attending this conference, important to your practice and/or artistic development?’

More information and the ticket booking links can be found here. Or you can get in touch with Ray Bubbles, the organiser and host, via email info@parisbubbles.com.

 

Z-arts Summer of Stories Commission

Z-arts is looking for 3 experienced creative practitioners to deliver our Summer of Stories programme for families in summer 2026. Summer of Stories is a 3-week programme of playful arts and crafts activities and interactive storytelling for children (0 – 8 years old) and families during the summer holidays.

We are looking for a diverse mix of creative practitioners to reflect the wonderful families that come into Z-arts.

Each practitioner will deliver one week of the programme.

About Z-arts

Z-arts is the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families, a centre of excellence for child-centred creative participation, rich and diverse theatre for young audiences and immersive play experiences.

Our core values are Welcoming, Playful & Vibrant and we’re looking for people who embody these values.

What you’ll deliver:

· Interactive storytelling sessions based on two different stories

· Arts and crafts activities inspired by the stories

· These sessions are bookable but drop-in and families can spend 15 minutes or 1.5 hours. Sessions will be supported by an assistant facilitator.

What’s involved:

· Initial meeting at Z-arts, including meeting the team

· Planning sessions based around 2 stories

· Designing an arts and craft activity

· 1 day of training at Z-arts

· 5 days of delivery (Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30am – 2:00pm)

What you get/Fee:

· £1,000

· A week of fabulous fun with the Z-arts families

More information about the commission, including the application form, can be found here.

If you wish to have a bursary place on any of the opportunities listed above, please can you email Isah-Levi Roach (isah@z-arts.org) requesting a bursary and answering the following question: “Why is attending the workshop/opportunity important to your practice?”