About us
Peshkar
Improving the lives of young people through art.
Our story
Rooted in Oldham.
Open to the world.
Peshkar began in 1991 as a community theatre project for Oldham’s Asian community. From those grassroots beginnings, we have grown into a participatory arts organisation working across Greater Manchester, the North West and beyond.
Today, our work connects young people with artists, creative skills and opportunities to share their ideas. From workshops in community spaces to artist development and Young Digitals Festival, we bring people together to explore what art and technology can make possible.
35
Years of cultural artefacts.
A collection of the work, people and ideas that have shaped Peshkar, from 1991 to 2026.
Our approach
People at the heart.
Possibility in every idea.
Start with people
We work alongside schools, youth organisations and community partners, listening to young people and creating opportunities that connect with their lives.
Make room to create
Workshops, Arts Award and artist development offer different ways to take part, build skills and grow in confidence through creative practice.
Take ideas further
Young Digitals Festival and international collaborations give young people and emerging artists opportunities to share their work and encounter new perspectives.
Highlights
The big things we are talking about
Collection
Peshkar35
35 years of cultural artefacts, told through the prints, people and moments that shaped us.
Explore the collection
Campaign
Foot in the Door
One room. Many routes in. A live conversation on opening the next 35 years of opportunity, 28 January 2027.
See the campaign
Festival
YDF
Each March, Young Digitals Festival turns Oldham's libraries into laboratories of digital creativity.
Explore the festival
Partner site
Young Digitals
youngdigitals.net, the home of our youth digital community, built with and for young creatives.
Visit youngdigitals.net
35 years of Peshkar
Small beginnings.
Lasting stories.
The projects, performances and people that shaped Peshkar, from the Peshkar35 collection to recent highlights from our published story.
Visit the collectionOur people
Let’s make connections.
Our work brings together artists, young people and community partners. If you'd like to start a conversation, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch