WHO IS RISK SPACE FOR?
Risk Space is for emerging artists based in Stoke-on-Trent/North Staffs who are interested in performance making. We'd love to hear from independent, collaborative, DIY artists with audacious ideas and a burning desire to create and connect. You might just need some support and some more creative pals.
You may work in dance, theatre, music, spoken word, performance art, or across multiple art forms.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY EMERGING ARTISTS?
For Risk Space, we define "emerging artists" by career stage rather than age.
We are primarily supporting artists in the first eight years of developing a professional practice, including those who may have trained, returned to practice after a break, or come to performance making later in life.
We recognise that access to opportunity is uneven, and that many artists, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, may not have experienced a linear pathway into the arts.
DOES IT COST ANYTHING?
No. Risk Space is a free programme. All workshops and opportunities are free.
We will also provide refreshments and meals where relevant, and can support travel costs for participants travelling from within Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.
WHERE DOES IT HAPPEN?
All workshops and meetings take place at Restoke's creative home:
The Ballroom at Fenton Town Hall, Stoke-on-Trent.
One-to-one mentoring sessions may take place online or at alternative venues.
Fenton Town Hall is an accessible venue with free parking.
For more information on VISITING RESTOKE
WHAT'S THE COMMITMENT?
Risk Space is designed to fit around artists' existing work and commitments.
Apart from one required introductory workshop in September 2026 and an evaluation session in July 2027, the programme is flexible, allowing artists to make the most of the opportunities most relevant to them.
Introductory workshop
Clare Reynolds (Restoke) & Rhiannon Faith (Rhiannon Faith Company)
Friday 25 September 2026
10.00am–4.00pm (lunch provided)
Optional opportunities
While Rhiannon Faith Company rehearse their new production MARY MARY in the Ballroom, there will be opportunities to join company class and/or shadow rehearsals (where relevant to your practice):
12–16 October 2026
12–16 April 2027
Other opportunities (arranged around availability):
Free rehearsal space in the Ballroom (currently weekdays only)
Mentoring with Rhiannon Faith and Clare Reynolds
Producing workshops and surgeries with Sarah Richardson, Restoke Executive Producer
Free tickets for performances in the Ballroom
Supported opportunity to organise an event, workshop or sharing in the Ballroom before July 2027
HOW TO APPLY
Please send us the following:
1. Tell us about yourself
Tell us about your experience so far, any relevant training, your creative practice and what you're interested in.
You are welcome to attach a CV and include examples of your work if relevant.
Please also confirm that you are based in Stoke-on-Trent or North Staffordshire.
2. Tell us why you want to be part of Risk Space
Tell us:
what you'd like to get out of the programme
what you think you need to develop your artistic practice
what new ideas you'd like to explore
what you might bring to a community of artists in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.
We welcome written applications, but if another format works better for you, we'd be happy to receive a video or audio application instead.
Send your email to project producer Oly Goncalves: info@restoke.org.uk
DEADLINE: 3rd September 2026
If you have any questions please get in touch with Oly on the email above or leave a message on 01782 656272 for a call back!
ACCESS We want Risk Space to be as accessible as possible. If you would like a conversation about access before applying please contact Anna Domain, producer at Rhiannon Faith Company on anna@rhiannonfaith.com
CALLING EMERGING PERFORMANCE MAKERS IN STOKE-ON-TRENT & NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE
Restoke, in partnership with Rhiannon Faith Company, are launching Risk Space – supporting emerging artists to find their artistic voice, with a focus on performance making, co-creation and socially engaged practices.
Making art is impossible without taking risks, so we’re creating supportive spaces to test, fail and learn. Through workshops, shadowing opportunities, free space and support to produce your own events, Risk Space will support a community of performance artists and makers in the area.
Risk Space will offer:
Space – free rehearsal and event space
People – mentoring and connections with artists and producers
Knowledge – workshops, training and practical support
Time – permission to experiment without set outcomes
Community – a network of fellow performance makers
Find out more and apply to join the first cohort of 8 Risk Space artists!
DEADLINE: 3rd September 2026
ABOUT RESTOKE
Restoke puts the people of Stoke-on-Trent at the heart of creative adventures.
We make performances, plan events and run workshops alongside people who may not usually meet, forming new bonds of friendship, understanding and solidarity in the city.
Founded in 2009, Restoke grew from a collaboration between three artists from different disciplines, all raised in Stoke-on-Trent.
Led by two of the founding artists, Restoke continues to work collaboratively, creating ambitious, socially engaged performance with and for local communities.
ABOUT RHIANNON FAITH COMPANY
Rhiannon Faith Company makes radically tender dance theatre, working nationally on major stages and locally with communities on the margins, always with social change and care at its heart.
The company is brave, compassionate and fearless in pushing the boundaries of performance, creating unforgettable work that brings people together.
Alongside performances, they develop legacy programmes that work collaboratively with local communities, artists, third-sector partners and arts organisations to promote belonging, empathy and social change.
Rhiannon Faith Company has been nominated for an Olivier Award, five National Dance Awards (including Best Independent Company in 2021, 2022 and 2023), two One Dance UK Awards, and Rhiannon Faith was nominated for the AWA Women in Dance Leadership Award in 2022.
Rhiannon Faith Company WEBSITE & SOCIALS