Art Encounters is a peer-learning environment that develops expertise in experimental and reflective participatory art delivery with children and young people and seeks to create opportunities to learn, share and platform the practice of colleagues through high profile sharing events and media.

The 2025-26 iteration of this annual programme will invite a cohort of artists, creatives, makers, community organisers, educators who are living and working in Stoke-on-Trent, West Midlands and the surrounding areas to join us for an 8-month programme of in person and online learning between January-August 2026. Access support, and a group project bursary of £1000 are available for all participants. An honorarium for freelancers participating in the training is also available