Organisers are on the look-out for artists and groups who would like to be part of the festival, with applicants invited to apply for between £300–£4,000 to help bring their idea to life.

The major new 6-day festival will be staged in March 2024, 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 organisers Rochdale Borough Council are encouraging you 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.

‘Ideas, big and small’

Between 5 and 8 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 March 2024 to Saturday, 9 March 2024, promising a showcase of creativity, innovation and performance around the themes of imagine, create, discover.

Councillor Janet Emsley, the council’s cabinet member for equity, safety and reform, said they are interested in hearing about all kinds of ideas, big and small from across the borough. She 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 traveling 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.

If you’d like a chat before submitting an application, the festival team are holding an online session between 11am–12noon on Monday, 11 December 2023, and the deadline for submissions is 5pm on Wednesday, 20 December 2023.

The ideas chosen to receive support will be revealed in January 2024.

The re-launched Rochdale Town Hall will be one of a host of festival venues across the borough. Its major restoration has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Rochdale Borough Council.

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