Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas launches next year and its organisers are on the look-out for people who want to be part of it.
Applicants are invited to apply for up to £4,000 help bring their idea to life at the festival.
The major new six-day festival will be staged in March next year, accompanying the official re-opening of Rochdale Town Hall.
Whether it’s a workshop, a pop-up, intervention, mural, digital installation, event, a performance or an activity – festival organiser Rochdale Borough Council is encouraging people to think outside the box, consider collaborations and be creative.
You could be a community group, artist, business, coop, S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) collective, sports group, tech start-up, or another organisation with a great idea.
Between five and eight ideas will then be chosen for the ‘Everyday Innovation’ programme part of the event, delivered in partnership with The Culture Co-op, Rochdale borough’s Creative People and Places Programme, funded by Arts Council England.
Rochdale Borough Festival of Ideas runs from Monday 4 to Saturday, March 9, promising a showcase of creativity, innovation and performance around the themes of imagine, create, discover.
Councillor Janet Emsley said: “This new festival will provide a platform for curious minds to explore, so we’re looking for ideas which would enhance people’s day, or even transform a public space.
“If you think your Idea fits the bill, we’d love to hear from you and can provide the funding to make it happen. Whether it’s a cul-de-sac you want to close and transform for the day, a specific bus route you want to create a piece of travelling artwork for; or a grey wall you walk past every day; a reservoir or canal you have a vision for, whatever it is, get in touch.”
The line-up will be announced in the new year but expect visual arts, music, electrifying live performances, thought-provoking talks, interactive installations and lots more, as originality and imagination is celebrated.
Taking inspiration from the borough’s rich heritage whilst remaining future focused, there will be a blend of hands-on and digital programming and many events will be free to attend. The festival will provide a platform for curious minds to explore and discover, with a family programme running throughout.
Deadline for submissions is 5pm on Wednesday, December 20 with winning ideas revealed in January.
