Transforming lives with theatre & arts that challenge and inspire
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
We are
Lives.
We work within the community, education, criminal justice, health & corporate training sectors.
We work in three ways:
- Therapeutic theatre workshops to reduce risk
- Interactive theatre tours to empower & educate
- Creative & community led social action projects to overcome inequalities
Odd Arts expertise include:
All of our work is: Restorative; Anti-racist; Trauma informed; Strengths based; Non-violent-communication led; Considerate of the environment.
- Violence Reduction – Serious youth violence; sexual violence; extremism/radicalisation; cultural/systemic violence
- Mental Health – Emotional resilience; self harm/anxiety/stress – prevention & targeted
- Healthy Relationships – Consent; domestic & relationship abuse; communication
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.
Community
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.
Education
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.
Criminal Justice
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.
Health
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.
CPD & Teacher Training
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.
Corporate Training
We deliver corporate and private sector CPD through conferences, training and performances, addressing issues relating to wellbeing, equality & diversity, and communication skills.
Quotes from Workshops
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.