Community First

The Step Forward Fund is a fund designed to provide funding and support to grassroots organisations from Global Majority and racially minoritised communities and help them move from smaller project-based funding to larger grants and investment.

The Step Forward Fund has £4 million to award. The fund plans to give £50,000 to £75,000 per year for between 2 to 3 years. This means you can apply for:

Factory International are looking to hear from people from all backgrounds, cultures and communities who have a collection, hobby, passion or special interest that they would be excited to share. This could include anything from creative collections and crafts to memorabilia, cultural items, handmade creations or other unique interests. 

The project aims to connect people from across Greater Manchester with a unique opportunity to be part of a major exhibition at Aviva Studios in February 2027 (exact date to be confirmed).

We're looking for someone who is genuinely good with people, who enjoys being curious and can relate to others’ points of view and who takes the time to really listen. You'll be meeting and working with individuals who care deeply about their communities, so a real motivation to support that kind of commitment matters.

My name is Hema Harshini, and I am an MSc Urban Design and City Planning student at University College London (UCL). As part of my Major Research Project, I am researching the long-term social and spatial impacts of heritage-led regeneration in Castlefield.

The following is a statement from Sukhbir Singh, Chair of Trustees at Manchester Sikh Foundation on the Murder of Henry Nowak.

"We stand in solidarity with the family and loved ones of Henry Nowak following the senseless and tragic loss of his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, and we pray that God grants them strength, comfort and peace during this exceptionally difficult time. 

Join this free event in celebration of Age Without Limits Day!

Following on from successful performances at prestigious venues including Manchester (Royal Exchange Theatre), Oldham, Chester - You are invited to join Annette, Enid, Joan, Kinisha Yvonne (the cast) for this extra special performance. 

Horizons Festival is a free 2-day global arts festival in the heart of Manchester. A summer weekend packed with shows, live music events, creative family activities, global cinema, workshops, standup comedy and pressing discussions.