Free art workshops for 14 to 17s
Delivered by The Wilson’s Resident Artists 2026
OFF GRID is a new series of free monthly workshops for young people who love art, creativity and trying new things. Each session introduces a different artistic practice – from animation and photography to drawing, performance, sewing and wood carving – led by a different resident artist from The Wilson.
Whether you’re already making work or just curious to explore something new, these small, hands-on workshops are designed to help you experiment, learn skills and meet other creative young people in a relaxed and supportive environment.
🕕 All sessions run 6″“8pm at The Wilson
🎟 Free to attend
âš ï¸ Workshops are limited to 10 places each. Participants may book onto a maximum of two sessions.
17 June – Stop Motion Animation with Sarah Fox
A collaborative animation workshop where you will learn to animate to sound and build a short experimental animation to match. Using everyday objects we will use stop-motion apps to bring sound to life, frame by frame. No experience necessary.
15 July – Beginners’ Portrait Photography with Steven Tatlow
This session will introduce the basics of portrait photography, from coming up with ideas to using composition, colour, light, and expression to create striking portraits. Through hands-on practice and creative exercises, you’ll build confidence behind the camera and start developing your own style.
19 August – Line by Line: Guided Drawing with Atul Bhunkal
A relaxed drawing workshop focused on slowing down, noticing details, and experimenting with mark-making. Through quick prompts and collaborative activities, you’ll create drawings that respond to the people and space around you. No experience needed “” just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.
16 September – Hand Sewing Basics: Applique with Alice Biggadike
Make your own applique design on a square patch. This will be beginner friendly but can be made suitable for more advanced hand sewers if they are up for more challenging techniques.
21 October – Performance, Costume & Storytelling with Eddie Langham
An interactive and collaborative creative workshop exploring identity, narrative, performance, and image-making through styling and costume. Participants will work together using garments, accessories, live models, and collaborative direction to create visually driven characters and stories that are captured through photography during the session.
18 November: Where the Birds AR: Meditative Ink Wash with Albert Chung
Inspired by migratory birds and contemporary ink painting, this workshop combines colouring, ink wash and augmented reality. Participants will colour and paint their own bird using Chinese ink and watercolour, then bring it to life through the Where the Birds AR app. The session will also include a short-guided meditation and meditative ink wash activity, encouraging creativity, calm and reflection. No experience needed.
16 December – Wood Carving Motifs with Richard Woods
Carve and paint your own hand-carved motif inspired by printmaking blocks of the past! Taking inspiration from the museum’s collection and festive themes.
As part of our commitment to supporting local young people, 50% of places on OFF GRID will be reserved for participants living in the GL50, GL51 and GL52 postcode areas.
