





We Are Odd Arts
We specialise in delivering theatre-based programmes that challenge and change attitudes and behaviours & enable people to understand the world and themselves differently. We work with participants to devise theatre, from their own experiences as well as touring professional interactive theatre performances on topics including radicalisation, criminal exploitation, healthy relationships and mental health.
Transforming
Lives.
We work within the community, education, criminal justice, health & corporate training sectors.
We work in three ways:
Odd Arts expertise include:
All of our work is: Restorative; Anti-racist; Trauma informed; Strengths based; Non-violent-communication led; Considerate of the environment.
Our work is high quality, award winning, used as national examples and priced to enable the greatest value and reach.
UCLAN described our model of work as offering: An experience of recognition; A boost in self confidence; A sense of respect and tolerance; A feeling of agency and decision-making; The possibility of ownership and leadership; The value of teamwork; The usefulness of experience.
All these outcomes are directly linked to well evidenced ‘what works’ outcomes in terms of reducing (re) offending or improving well-being, community cohesion & opportunities for people facing discrimination and disadvantage.
* Some of the photographs on this page provided by Priti Shikotra.
These projects are led by and respond to the needs & talents within various identity and geographical communities. They use varied art-forms to empower the community to make change, campaign & increase their sense of belonging and purpose.
We work in many schools, colleges, alternative education providers & universities. We are an Arts Award Centre of Excellence & deliver asdan awards. Our exciting & dynamic CPD & student learning experiences support schools in their ArtsMark journey. We also offer bespoke work experience & training placements.
Odd Arts specialise in programmes for prisons, secure units and other criminal justice settings (also within the community). We have 18 years experience working in prisons.
Odd Arts specialise in delivering work around mental health, as well as the wider health sector. We work in partnership with Mental Health Services, GPs, Clinical Commissioning Groups and Hospitals using theatre to improve mental health and wellbeing and to reduce conflict and inequalities.
We deliver Teacher & Educator CPD in holding challenging conversations for; Radicalisation Awareness; Mental Health; Racism & Discrimination; as well as wider bespoke training sessions. All these training options include a professional theatre performance and interactive workshop delivery.
We deliver corporate and private sector CPD through conferences, training and performances, addressing issues relating to wellbeing, equality & diversity, and communication skills.
“It was an incredible experience for me to see how challenging topics such as mental health, racism, radicalisation, and more can be challenged through theatre and generate a response from the audience and/or Participants.”
“The volunteering program Odd Arts provided me had a range of experiences for me to get involved based on my interests and strengths. It also gave me the chance to get involved in work I thought I never would”
“It was incredible. Absolutely blown away by the performance, it's everything I wanted it to be and more. On reflection I have come away feeling empowered and justified to challenge and question how we think about race but also how young people deserve to be able deconstruct and build the skills to question what they are presented with”
“Positive masculinity for me is showing respect and embracing each other and understanding and respecting everyone’s benefit no matter who they are”
“Positive masculinity for me is understanding and being open to others whilst knowing your own boundaries. Making sure you and anyone you hold close to you are safe, happy and healthy”
“This has been a safe space where I have felt comfortable to discuss this topic openly, I have felt able to talk and share my thoughts and engage in activities even if they felt overwhelming for me. I am not normally this confident or talkative. It has made me think deeper about gender stereotypes in society.”
“The play is trying to show how young men can pick up harmful ideas whilst they are struggling in life. I thought it was very emotive and thought provoking. Those who don't understand another's pain and hardship will never understand themselves. We should all understand each other.”
“You don't need to be what society says you should be, you can be whoever you want to be.”
“I found the workshop and play relatable - it shows you behind the scenes, you see the things you wish you could see in life, notice things before they escalate.”
“This session has made me question what it means to be strong - it doesn’t just mean physically and mentally. I realise now that strong can mean being emotionally available to your partner and being a good father, rather than bottling up emotions and allowing them to manifest into negative thoughts or behaviours.”
“They have gained a superb understanding of the issues.”
“I honestly can’t tell you how much the pupil’s gained from the experience.”
“Your ability to work with the young people, engage them and challenge them in a constructive manner was great, a real skill!”
“I am sure these young people will never forget this fun, creative learning and will take the messages they have learnt with them throughout their lives.”
“I was blown away by the learning of the young people.”
“It was fantastic. I really enjoyed it and all of the debate it brought about.”
“People become too afraid to challenge and address from a fear of offending.”
“This kind of thing is really hard to talk about. You made it easier and now I feel more confident to speak up and step in.”
“I will think about other people’s consent more and my own ability to consen.t”
“The workshop and performance was brilliant. I will now go and speak about it with my daughter.”
Become a Participant
You can self-refer to some of our ongoing community projects and sessions.
We deliver FREE workshops at our base in Moss Side Powerhouse. We welcome and support young carers, and participants with additional needs.


