About Schools Linking
The Schools Linking programme connects children from across Rochdale Borough to explore ideas around identity, belonging and community. Through shared experiences, pupils reflect on four key questions:
- Who am I?
- Who are we?
- Where do we live?
- How do we all live well together?
Each year, over 1,000 Key Stage 2 pupils (aged 7–10) take part in performances, artist-led workshops and collaborative creative projects that celebrate diversity and connection.
Artist Call-Out
For 2026, we’re seeking two artists from different artforms to devise and deliver creative workshops for primary school classes between March and May 2026.
Workshops should respond to one of the year’s themes:
- Belonging – exploring identity and heritage inspired by picture books Where by Jordan Collins and The One and Only You by Shane Hegarty & Ben Mantle.
- Acceptance – exploring kindness, inclusion and connection, inspired by Little Gift, a production by M6 Theatre.
At least one workshop will use a Touchstones museum or gallery item as a creative starting point, supported by our Collections team.
Workshops will:
- Run for 60 minutes with two linked classes per day (13 delivery days total).
- Include a collaborative creative outcome such as an artwork, poem, zine or installation.
- Provide pupils with a shared, memorable artistic experience.
Who We’re Looking For
Artists who:
- Have an established creative practice and a track record delivering engaging workshops for children.
- Are confident leading full classes and adapting delivery for different needs.
- Share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Can travel across the Rochdale Borough.
We welcome applications from local artists and those from marginalised backgrounds, including people from the global majority, LGBTQIA+, d/Deaf, disabled and working-class artists.
Artist Fee
- £4,250 (17 days @ £250/day) – includes 3 development days and 14 delivery days.
- Additional materials budget available.
- An assistant facilitator and Touchstones staff member will support sessions.
Key Dates
- Applications open: 27 October – 26 November 2025
- Shortlisting: 27 November 2025
- Interviews: 3 or 4 December 2025
- Teacher CPD Session: 14 January 2026
- Workshops delivered: March – May 2026
How to Apply
Please read through the full artist brief below.
Send your application to creativecommunities@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk by 11:59pm, Wednesday 26 November 2025.
Please include:
- Your CV and/or portfolio link (website, social media etc.)
- A short statement (max 500 words or 3.5-minute audio/video) outlining why you’re suitable.
Please let us know if you have any access requirements that require help during the application process.
