What we do
Artist Development
We specifically prioritise young people from protected characteristics, ensuring our programme reflects and amplifies the diverse voices that make our region vibrant.
Space to grow. Skills to thrive.
Opening creative pathways
Our Artist Development programme stands at the heart of Peshkar's mission, nurturing emerging creative talent aged 18-30 from across Greater Manchester. We specifically prioritise young people from protected characteristics - those from diaspora communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled artists, and those facing socio-economic barriers - ensuring our programme reflects and amplifies the diverse voices that make our region vibrant. Through our recruitment process, we actively seek out talent that might otherwise be overlooked by mainstream creative pathways, offering them professional development opportunities that transform potential into creative careers.
Making work with communities
Our commissioned artists undertake approximately 10 days of intensive creative work, collaborating directly with communities across Oldham and beyond - from the Fatima Women's Association to local schools, from Proud Trust to community centres. Each commission challenges our artists to develop digital aesthetic outcomes that bridge traditional artforms with innovative technology, whether that's creating interactive installations, digital storytelling pieces, or multimedia performances. We provide comprehensive support throughout, including mentorship, technical training, and professional development, ensuring our artists gain not just creative experience but the practical skills needed to sustain careers in the creative industries.
From commission to career
Our annual Young Digitals Festival each March serves as the culmination and celebration of this work, transforming venues across Greater Manchester into showcases of digital innovation. This isn't just an exhibition - it's a launchpad for careers, with our alumni going on to become full-time professional artists, securing roles in film and television production, establishing their own creative businesses, and joining major cultural institutions across the UK. Our track record speaks for itself: artists who began their journey with our programme are now exhibiting internationally, leading community arts projects, working in prestigious venues from the BBC to the Barbican, and returning as mentors to guide the next generation of creative talent through their own transformative journeys.