We Are Odd Arts
We specialise in delivering theatre-based programmes that challenge and change attitudes and behaviours & enable people to understand the world and themselves differently. We work with participants to devise theatre, from their own experiences as well as touring professional interactive theatre performances on topics including radicalisation, criminal exploitation, healthy relationships and mental health.
Transforming
Lives.
We work within the community, education, criminal justice, health & corporate training sectors.
We work in three ways:
Odd Arts expertise include:
All of our work is: Restorative; Anti-racist; Trauma informed; Strengths based; Non-violent-communication led; Considerate of the environment.
Our work is high quality, award winning, used as national examples and priced to enable the greatest value and reach.
UCLAN described our model of work as offering: An experience of recognition; A boost in self confidence; A sense of respect and tolerance; A feeling of agency and decision-making; The possibility of ownership and leadership; The value of teamwork; The usefulness of experience.
All these outcomes are directly linked to well evidenced ‘what works’ outcomes in terms of reducing (re) offending or improving well-being, community cohesion & opportunities for people facing discrimination and disadvantage.
* Some of the photographs on this page provided by Priti Shikotra.
These projects are led by and respond to the needs & talents within various identity and geographical communities. They use varied art-forms to empower the community to make change, campaign & increase their sense of belonging and purpose.
We work in many schools, colleges, alternative education providers & universities. We are an Arts Award Centre of Excellence & deliver asdan awards. Our exciting & dynamic CPD & student learning experiences support schools in their ArtsMark journey. We also offer bespoke work experience & training placements.
Odd Arts specialise in programmes for prisons, secure units and other criminal justice settings (also within the community). We have 18 years experience working in prisons.
Odd Arts specialise in delivering work around mental health, as well as the wider health sector. We work in partnership with Mental Health Services, GPs, Clinical Commissioning Groups and Hospitals using theatre to improve mental health and wellbeing and to reduce conflict and inequalities.
We deliver Teacher & Educator CPD in holding challenging conversations for; Radicalisation Awareness; Mental Health; Racism & Discrimination; as well as wider bespoke training sessions. All these training options include a professional theatre performance and interactive workshop delivery.
We deliver corporate and private sector CPD through conferences, training and performances, addressing issues relating to wellbeing, equality & diversity, and communication skills.
“Participants can translate their own experience into an artistic form and fictionalise it, projecting themselves into a role and establishing a third position from which self and other can be observed, together with the consequences of their actions. This allows the actors to explore the complex feelings and conflicted states of mind associated with past destructive relationships and deeds.”
“I chose this course because I want to have a better relationship with myself, I'm a lot more patient and understanding now.”
“I used to ring my family or my girlfriend and spend the whole conversation talking about me. I never stopped to listen to what their needs were. Now I ask, I listen to what's really going on for them. I understand them better."
“This course shows it is possible to make changes if you get a better understanding.”
Become a Participant
You can self-refer to some of our ongoing community projects and sessions.
We deliver FREE workshops at our base in Moss Side Powerhouse. We welcome and support young carers, and participants with additional needs.