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What Would You Do? – Creative Call-Out

If you had the chance to design and produce an event for your community… What Would You Do?

Following the success of Free-for-All at Touchstones Art Gallery in 2022, we are reimagining the project as Side-by-Side, a community-driven arts festival in August 2025. With Touchstones closed for refurbishment, we have an opportunity to break down barriers and bring arts and culture directly into the heart of Rochdale.

Organised by artist Harry Meadley and the Touchstones team, Side-by-Side will be a festival created by and for local people, celebrating community, creativity, and collaboration. Hosted in a pop-up outdoor space in Rochdale Town Centre, the festival aims to empower communities, foster learning, and inspire new artistic practices.

Call for Ideas

We invite individuals, groups, and organisations to propose creative events and activities that align with the festival’s aims. Whether you want to collaborate with an artist, partner with an organisation, or try something completely new, we’d love to hear your ideas! We can offer up to £2000 to commission your idea.

What We’re Looking For

  • Unique, collaborative events that bring people together under the festival themes.
  • Activities that use local arts & heritage as inspiration.
  • Events that enhance well-being and engage diverse communities.
  • Projects that align with the festival’s core aims of empowerment, learning, and community-building.

Festival Themes

The festival will feature events and activities centred around four key themes:

  • PLAY – Interactive activities that encourage play, skill-building, and teamwork (e.g., sports, games, Lego building).
  • MAKE – Hands-on creative workshops (e.g., crafting, model making, improvisation drama).
  • SHARE – Events that encourage social interaction (e.g., communal meals, performances, discussions).
  • HEAL – Activities focused on mental well-being (e.g., yoga, mindfulness workshops).

Project Aims

  1. Empower and value local communities.
  2. Strengthen collaboration between Touchstones, communities, and artists.
  3. Improve community well-being.
  4. Develop new skills and knowledge.
  5. Foster long-term engagement beyond the festival.

How to Submit Your Idea

To apply, think about the following questions, then use the link below to respond to our application in writing, video, or audio.

  • Who are you? (Tell us about yourself, your community, and your audience)
  • What is important to you? (What matters to your community, and what do you stand for?)
  • What would you do? (Describe your idea, how it fits the themes, and what you hope to achieve)
  • Why do you want to do it? (Why is it important, and why is it needed?)
  • How would you do it? (Outline your plan, who would be involved, and any preparations required)
  • What would you need? (List any support, expertise, or resources)
  • Events must take place between 20-27 August 2025
  • They must align with festival themes and aims (see above)
  • They should foster collaboration and support well-being

Deadline for applications is Friday 25 April.

Click here to apply

How Will My Idea Be Selected?

A panel—including Touchstones staff, Creative Lead Harry Meadley, and the Creative Voices group (community representatives shaping Side-by-Side)—will review submissions. Ideas will be assessed based on how well they:

  • Meet the selection criteria
  • Align with the festival’s aims
  • Fill gaps in the overall programme

While we can’t support every idea, we’d love to keep your details on file for future opportunities. Side-by-Side is set to become an annual event, so there will be more chances to collaborate in the future!

If you have an idea but need help developing it, get in touch—we’re here to support you! Let’s build something incredible together! Email us at creativecommunities@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk.