UNION Events 2026
08 Jan 26We’re keeping this page up-to-date with the events and activities we’ll be hosting (and co-hosting) throughout 2026. Whether you’re already part of the UNION community and want to stay connected through our meet-ups, or you’re new to UNION and want to get involved via a day workshop, a weekend training programme, or our flagship year-long UNION residency, there should be something here for you. Most of our events are free or pay-as-you-can. We’re committed to making everything we do at UNION as accessible and inclusive as possible, so if there’s anything we can do to support your participation, please get in touch.
Below you’ll find a list of our upcoming events, including a summary of each, key details, and links to register. If you’d like more information about anything listed, email us at union@unionarts.org.uk, and Adrian or Sarah will get back to you.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
JANUARY – MARCH 2026
Tough Times (2)
Date and Time: Friday 20th March 2026, 10.30 am to 4 pm
Venue: Bridge 5 Mill, 22A Beswick St, Manchester M4 7HR
“The fierce urgency of now”, Martin Luther King
This time in the North West, UNION and ArtWorks Alliance are coordinating another opportunity to bring artists and activists together to recognise and name the challenges we are facing, to share thoughts and ideas, and to consider possible ways forward.
A day of creative work and open space discussions to refresh and revitalise; to inspire our own next steps.
APRIL – JUNE 2026
Tough Places: How do we work in ‘flagged’ communities?
Date and Time: Friday 22nd May 2026, 10.30 am to 4 pm
Venue: Chapel FM Arts Centre, 1081 York Road, Leeds, LS14 6JB
What are the realities and opportunities of working in some of the divided communities around Yorkshire,the communities that, in large part, are now targeted by those putting up Union Jack and St George flags?
An opportunity for artists and activists from different places to come together to talk about the realities of the work, and how they might go forward.
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UNION Facilitators’ Training
Date and Time: Friday 15th to Sunday 17th May 2026
Venue: TBC
An intensive training weekend for UNION alumni who are interested in being part of the delivery team for future UNION weekends.
An opportunity to come together and share skills, understanding, and ways of holding reflective space.
Activism In Our Communities
Date and Time: Date TBC
Venue: Bradford TBC
Following on from the Our Patch work in Bradford during 2025, UNION and Bradford Producing Hub invited artists, activists, and community producers to consider their work in the current climate, and what might be the next steps.
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UNION 2026 Welcome Weekend
Date and Time: Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2026
Venue: Chapel FM Arts Centre, 1081 York Road, Leeds, LS14 6JB
UNION will be taking on a new cohort of early- to mid-career artists and activists from across the north of England for this extensive training programme. This will be the opening weekend for UNION 26: a 12-month programme comprising 5 co-created training weekends plus individual coaching and reflective learning projects.
JULY – SEPT 2026
UNION Festival of Community
Date and Time: Friday 3rd to Monday 6th July 2026
Venue: Green & Away Bransford, Worcester WR6 5JB
UNION will be back at the fabulous Green & Away outdoor events space for a Festival with a difference. One created by the very community that we’ve grown together.
UNION alumni, friends, family, colleagues, interested others…
