community arts festivals

vision

Urban Wilderness CIC are increasing the quality of and opportunities for artistic engagement for underserved communities.

mission

We use arts commissions, interventions and events to explore shared spaces, empower communities, and make space for underrepresented voices.

Creative high streets

We run a regular, free to access arts programme at Urban Wilderness, our unit in Longton Exchange Shopping Centre.

in the balance

An Artist-led program of talks, screenings, and creative workshops radically repositioning our relationship with nature.

Looking back at recent artworks and forward to what we can make, change, or discuss to bring our planet closer to sustainability, In the Balance exemplifies Urban Wilderness CIC’s groundbreaking approach to community-driven art. Through artistic experimentation and civic engagement they foster meaningful connections between people, places, and creative expression—shaping a more conscious and connected world.

Next event: Thursday 13th March. Urban Wilderness presents Museum of Possibilities

Feminist Film Club

A monthly club for those who love film and want to build a community for women-led cinema in Stoke-on-Trent.

Each month, we screen a film directed by a woman. We are trans and non-binary inclusive. After the screening we invite everyone to join a discussion. Each session includes an info sheet to provide a little more context about the film and director. You are welcome to watch the film and leave, but we’d love you to stay for the discussion.

Next event: Thursday 27th February. Sign up to the mailing list to join the club.

Documentary photo Club

Documentary Photo Club is a space for photographers and those interested in documentary photography to develop skills together.

From professionals to hobbyists, we look forward to meeting like-minded individuals, sharing inspiration, talking through challenges, and exploring the power of visual storytelling.

Next event: Thursday 20th March. Dan Lyttleton shares his process of building community cohesion through photography.

‘Skyworks’ - public art

Our Skyworks canopy installation space in front of The Moony Club provides a rolling public art gallery. Artworks are co created with our Creative Volunteers as a mindful group activity that supports wellbeing while developing a supportive social network.

 inclusive infrastructure

We work in partnership with Black-led organisations in Stoke on Trent to provide fundraising and production support for events, organisational development and sustainable career paths. We offer one-on-one mentor support to individuals applying to the Arts Council for the first time to increase the diversity of creatives working in the city and across the region

creative COMMUNITY Hub

The Moony Club is a warm and welcoming space where everyone is welcome to build supportive, creative clubs and share ideas to improve the town for local community

Check out our creative community clubs on the What’s On page

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