UNION 26 will run from June 2026 to April 2027

General information below (and more details on our FAQ page.)

We are running some online information sessions in March and April and if you do decide to apply, details of how to apply are here. Application deadline April 30th.

Weekend 1 for UNION 24

Overview of the programme

UNION has been delivering training and coaching programmes for community artists and social activists across the north of England since 2019.

Starting in June 2026 we will be running a 12-month programme aimed at early- to mid-career artists and activists from across the north.

Our experience shows that this programme is most effective for people who are already involved in a related sector, perhaps at a turning point where they can reflect on their achievements and consider future possibilities. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, and you are:

• Dedicated to using creative approaches to drive social change
• Looking for direction, opportunities and challenges
• Ready to be part of a group; to learn from others and receive support

Then apply to join the UNION 26 programme

Deadline for applications: April 30th 2026

Programme start date: June 5-7th 2026

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UNION 26 will include:

• Five intensive weekend workshops during the year; each in a different location with unique themes and objectives.
• Individual one-to-one coaching sessions to help you define your future paths and identify possible opportunities, mentors, and more
• The opportunity to learn from funded collaborations between participants

All participants will be involved in co-creating the programme, and from the very start, you will have the opportunity to participate in a range of events with UNION alumni and become part of the ongoing Community of Practice.

UNION is coordinated by Heads Together Productions and, with support from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, we can offer this programme for free and provide additional support where needed e.g. access costs.

“UNION has helped me to figure out who I am, where my work sits and, more importantly, that I am not alone on this journey. It’s given me a clearer focus for my activism”

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For more information see our FAQ page

The five weekend training sessions are pre-booked on the following dates:

1. 5-7th June 2026
   Our base for the first weekend will be Chapel FM in Seacroft, Leeds
2. 18-20th September 2026
3. 13-15th November 2026
4. 22-24th January 2027
5. 12-14th March 2027

LINK TO UNION 26 FLYER (coming soon!)