How can we creatively activate our citizens?

Can art change someone’s life or political choice? Is sharing a radical act? There are many ways to contribute to a better world. Activism is often depicted solely as angry protest. These days however there are a thousand ways to change the world on any given day. Come take inspiration from projects around England and the world where all kinds of action can make you a DIY political activist

In this Cultural Sector Masterclass session, you will hear from:

• Ezra Nash, Co-Artistic Director Common/Wealth

• Alice White, Artist Educator, currently a Community Engagement Manager at UAL with

• Bia De Sousa Mendes Costa, UAL’s Student Campaigner of the Year, cultural practitioner and recent graduate.

As of September 2025, you can read Common/Wealth’s book Do it Yourself: Making Political Theatre - ‘Designed for artists, activists and community organisers, the book offers a step-by-step guide to creating political theatre that is relevant, impactful and rooted in the lives of everyday people.’

The 2025-2026 Masterclass series will be hosted by Clare Murphy. Clare is a storyteller, speaker and consultant who brings the ancient art of story firmly into the contemporary world where it belongs.

This Masterclass will give us a chance to reflect on:

• The space that art holds within activism

• How creativity can spark and activate political activism

This event may be particularly relevant for anyone who is interested in:

• Creating politically charged theatre, performance and art with young people

• Arts organisations collaborating with activist groups

• Using the arts for political activism

This free CPD is a part of A New Direction's Cultural Sector Masterclass series for creative learning professionals to reflect upon and strengthen your practice. This session is only available online and won't be recorded.

Find out more: www.anewdirection.org.uk/training-cpd/cultural-sector-masterclasses