NURTURING A CREATIVE FUTURE.
We work with young people of all ages to explore identity, wellbeing, and belonging through art, textiles, heritage, and Carnival. We co-design our projects which can involve costume design, silk painting, giant sculptures, body art, and more. Taking part in a Cabasa project means you’ll meet new people, learn creative skills, and help shape public artworks that celebrate our communities – with your story as part of the design.
Our mobile creative studio takes art right into the heart of our communities – to libraries, youth clubs and community spaces – so that everyone can take part, no matter what your age or experience. We’ve been working in community and educational settings for over 20 years, bringing joy and creativity to your space.
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CREATIVE SESSIONS & PROJECTS.
MAKE SOMETHING AMAZING
Our workshops and projects happen all year round across Tameside in libraries, youth centres and community spaces.
Our mobile studio means we can bring everything you need, from sewing machines to sculpture tools, right to where you are.
Here are some of the ways you can get involved:
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Beautiful Batik: Paint bright designs on silk for exhibitions and festivals.
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Super Sewing: Learn costume design and creative textiles.
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3D Design and Making: Build masks, props and sculptures for parades.
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Body and Face Art: Explore identity and confidence through creative body art.
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Small Is Beautiful: Co-create wearable carnival costumes and perform.
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Digital Design: Use iPads to create patterns, prints and digital art.
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Partnership Projects: Work with artists and schools to make public artworks.
Every session is hands-on, welcoming and open to everyone. No experience is needed.
YOUTH VOICE AND LEADERSHIP
At Cabasa, your ideas shape what we do. Every project starts with your creativity. You help choose the theme, design the artwork and bring it to life.
You can also take on new roles as:
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Assistant Artists: Helping run workshops.
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Youth Mentors: Supporting others to learn and grow.
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Young Producers: Planning and presenting events.
We meet regularly with our Youth Leaders to review what is working and decide what comes next.
If you have ideas for something new, we want to hear from you.
CREATIVE CAREERS & PROGRESSION
TURN CREATIVITY INTO A CAREER
Cabasa helps young people take real steps into creative work.
We offer work experience placements, volunteering and mentoring with professional artists.
Many of our current team started as young participants, then moved into paid freelance roles in costume, design and event production.
You will gain hands-on experience, learn industry skills and build the confidence to follow your own creative path.
Find out more about our latest course here
OUR MOBILE STUDIO
CREATIVITY ON THE MOVE
Our mobile studio is one of the only creative offers of its kind in Greater Manchester.
It is a travelling workspace filled with tools, materials and ideas, bringing high-quality creative sessions to libraries, community centres and outdoor events across Tameside.
Each week, hundreds of young people use our mobile studio to make art, share stories and connect with others. It removes barriers such as transport and cost, ensuring creativity is open to everyone.
We are now working to grow and strengthen this mobile offer, reaching even more young people across the borough. With the right support, we can travel further, work more sustainably and bring creativity to every corner of Tameside.
Click here to bring our studio to your youth space!
ACCESS, INCLUSION AND WELLBEING
EVERYONE IS WELCOME HERE
Cabasa is a safe, creative space for every young person.
We work with young people from all backgrounds, including those with special educational needs or disabilities, those not in education or training, and those who simply need a place to belong.
Our artists are trained in inclusive youth practice and safeguarding, and our sessions support wellbeing, confidence and creative expression.
We also bring generations together – young people, families, artists and elders – to learn from one another and celebrate what we can achieve together.
SUPPORT OUR YOUTH PROVISION
INVEST IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF MAKERS, ARTISTS AND LEADERS
Every week, Cabasa works with young people across Tameside to create, connect and build confidence through art, textiles and carnival.
Over 2,500 young people take part in our workshops each year, many facing barriers such as transport, cost or limited local provision.
Our mobile creative studio takes high-quality art experiences into libraries, youth centres and community spaces. It is one of the only professional-standard mobile art studios in Greater Manchester, and it is transforming access for young people who might otherwise miss out.
Young people tell us that being part of Cabasa helps them:
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Feel more confident and connected
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Develop creative and teamwork skills
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See new pathways into volunteering and creative work
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Feel proud of their community and identity
We know this model works, and we are ready to do more.
With additional investment, we can:
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Expand our mobile studio offer to reach more neighbourhoods across Tameside
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Remove transport barriers that stop young people from taking part
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Train and employ young artists and mentors
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Provide sustainable, year-round creative opportunities in communities that need them most
Your support helps us keep creativity moving and ensures every young person can access high-quality arts experiences close to home.
Contact us today!
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Children's workshop
SMALL IS BEAUTIUL
Our children’s Carnival workshop where we bring beautiful silk butterfly wings for little ones and their grown ups to try on and play. Our kaleidoscope of butterflies are a perfect addition to any event, we have a collection of marvellous Menelaus Blue Morphos and a now whole rainbow of butterflies in our collection to have fun with.
Find out more