Opportunities for Children and Young People outside school

Ages 16-18. New Art Exchange, Wednesday 17 November 10am-3pm

FREE workshop for KS5 students developing critical analysis, research and public speaking skills. ARTiculation Discovery Days are designed to develop and support students’ understanding and engagement with art. Students do not need any prior experience, all skills required will be introduced on the day.  

To book places please contact Articulation by email.

Under 5s. 4 Ocober-6 December.
Nottingham Children’s Book Award is back for the 20th year! it's aim is to foster a love of books and reading as library staff and families read three shortlisted stories and children vote for their favourite. This can be done in two ways – going into the library, asking library staff for the books, reading them and then voting. Or by watching the videos online and using the form to vote. The winner will be announced on 13th December. Find out more on the website. 

10am - 5pm every open day. 13 November 2021 to 2 January 2022. Suitable for all ages.

Come and see our exhibition space turned into a giant project lab! Share your voice: What would you protest about? Find out more on the NJM website.  

Ages 13-16. Launching in November, Saturdays 10am-1pm, term-time. Free.
Members will try their hand at a variety of different art forms in our free weekly workshops and masterclasses with professional artists. With access to Nottingham Trent University’s excellent Art and Design facilities, they’ll make new friends, and have the opportunity to exhibit their artwork nationally! The club also looks great on their CV if they decide to apply to college or university later on. The club is run in partnership with Nottingham Trent University and the National Saturday Club. To find out more please email. 

Ages 15-25. Nottingham Contemporary
1525 Collective are looking for new members to join them. 1525, are a group of young creatives who gather regularly at Nottingham Contemporary. They strive to be a proactive collective sharing resources, discussing ideas, and mutually supporting each other’s creative interests. More information can be found on the website.  

All ages. Play and Learn: In Gallery, at Home, and Outside! Join the family workshops at Nottingham Contemporary or enjoy the activities on the website to keep you busy at home and outside. You can use objects from around the home and for others you might need a few art materials. Free material packs are available for collection from the reception in Nottingham Contemporary, or they can post them out to you! Please email for free material packs. 

Ages 4–11 every Saturday, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Free.
Get creative as a family! A chance for the whole family to learn new skills, use their knowledge and learn about Black culture.

Book your place at the NAE Reception in Hyson Green, by email, online or call 0115 924 8630. 

Tuesdays 4.00-6.00pm. Free.

Are you aged 8 to 11 years? Do you love art and design? Would you like to take part in painting, photography, model making and many other creative activities, every week? You will be virtually visiting the exhibitions at New Art Exchange, finding out about artists and making your own art, with the option to work towards your Explore Arts Award. To book your place please email.

Wednesdays, 5.00-7.00pm. Free.

Calling all 12-16 year olds! This art club is for your OWN art, your OWN style, your OWN ideas! Led by artist Shamila Chady you will be learning art and design skills and taking inspiration from the amazing exhibitions at New Art Exchange. You will also have the chance to work towards your Bronze Arts Award which includes the opportunity to display your OWN artwork. Email to book your place.

Ages 5-11
When puzzling postcards start arriving through your letterbox asking for help, only you can crack the code and figure out who the mystery writer is. Following a successful postcard drama format, New Perspectives' latest series, Fair Play, is a six-part postcard adventure for families with children aged 5-11 to enjoy together. Plus there's a QR code on each postcard to download with an activity sheet to explore a variety of creative challenges. For more details and book please email. 

All Ages
The Rainbow Library is a pioneering initiative to make more books for young readers that include LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. In summer 2023, they’ll publish eight LGBTQ+ inclusive titles for young readers of all ages, including picture books, fiction and nonfiction, poetry and comics. These books will be developed through consultations with LGBTQ+ young people in Nottingham.  The aim is to get these books into every school and library in the UK and Ireland. If you’re interested in supporting the project get in touch by email. 

All ages.

Nottingham City Libraries have a wealth of resources and activities for children and their families. The brand new website makes it easy to find information about libraries, resources, book recommendations, events and more. Whether you are looking for stories and rhymes for little ones, code clubs, after school home work sessions or holiday activities, it’s all covered. You can find out more by signing up to our e-newsletter on the webpage. 

Monday-Friday after school, across Nottinghamshire.
The Pythian Club (TPC) offer a comprehensive timetable of after school activities taking place at venues across Nottinghamshire. TPC aspire to support the development of our young people by progressing them onto further initiatives such as a coaching opportunities, young leader’s academy, vocational courses and/or employment opportunities. For more details visit the website or email. 

Ages 8+

The Creating Connections learning activities have been designed by NAE Associate Artists Shamila Chady and Elaine Winter for use at home or school. Creating Connections is designed to help young people make positive connections with others their age where there is a feeling of disconnection due to cultural and other differences. Download the activity pack. 

Ages 11-14 Saturdays and 15-19 Wednesdays at Base 51
LGBTQ+ group - a safe space for young people to express themselves and make friends and join in with a wide range of activities. Book spaces through the Base51 website. 

 The Change Makers Initiative in partnership with The Burns Price Foundation supports young people under the age of 19 from across the UK, with grants of £100 each to work on grass roots level ideas with art and science at the core of the social action project. Find out more on the website. 

Ages 14 years+ first Thursday of each month 5pm-6.30pm. Free.
An exciting arts and activism programme organised by, and for, young people. Be part of a small and dedicated team and learn all aspects of event production. You will produce events and opportunities you want to see for young people in your city. All specialist skills and training are provided. To get involved or find out more please email. 

Ages 12-17 Fridays, 5-7pm. Ages 8-11 Wednesdays, 5-7pm.

Join in with Football, Table Tennis, Basketball, Pool, Music and Board Games. Find out more on the CRS website.

From Tuesday 1 June. 10.30-12noon and 1pm-2.30pm £4 per child. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Meet some of Wollaton’s magnificent trees, learn to identify them and take a closer look at their leaves, flowers, bark and seeds as well as the animal life that lives on and around them. Contact Wollaton Hall to find out more. 

Fearless Youth Association is a Nottingham based organisation that aims to inform, empower, inspire and develop young people through workshops, projects and training programmes. They offer free online digital media training programmes for young people to learn or develop skills in a variety of areas:     

• Digital Storytelling
• Radio Broadcasting and Interviewing 
• Music Production
• Videography 
• Web Design
• Photography
• Graphic Design   

For more information please email  FYA or visit the website.

The Next Gen Platform is an online hub for young people to access a range of workshops and seminars, covering various subjects such as mental health, business and social media marketing. Regular workshops include:
Nottingham Inspired  - Mondays 6pm-7pm
Social Media   Marketing - Tuesdays 6pm-7pm
CV and Cover Letter   Writing - Wednesdays 5.30pm-6.30pm
DJ Classes  – Every Thursday 5pm–6pm
Next Gen Monthly Focus Group