Theatre and Dance NI is excited to launch Staging Change: Where Art Meets Action, a new five-part advocacy and influence training series designed for artists, dancers, freelance creatives and organisations across Northern Ireland.
Running from January to March 2026, the programme supports individuals to build skills in public affairs, political engagement, storytelling, collective advocacy and campaign strategy. The series is led by Sara McCracken (theprclub.co.uk) alongside guest contributors.
Why Staging Change?
Across the sector, many artists feel passionate about the future of the arts but uncertain about how to influence decision-makers or articulate the impact of creative work in political and public arenas. Staging Change offers practical tools to:
- Understand how decisions are made at council, Assembly and government levels
- Share stories and sector impact in ways that resonate
- Build confidence in communicating with policymakers
- Strengthen collective advocacy and collaborative approaches
- Take small, achievable steps toward long-term change
This series invites the sector to skill up together and imagine how our creative voices can help shape a better Northern Ireland.
About the Training Series
Across five interconnected sessions, participants will explore:
- Introduction to public affairs and the NI political landscape
- Storytelling, message development and communicating sector impact
- Collective advocacy and working together
- Political engagement skills
- Campaign strategy and collaborative action
Sessions combine practical learning with real-world application and are delivered online and in person at the Crescent Arts Centre.
Key Dates
Session 1 – Setting the Scene: Wed 14 January, 9.30am–4.30pm, Crescent Arts Centre
Session 2 – Building Your Message: Wed 21 January, 9.30am–1pm, Online
Session 3 – Collective Advocacy: Wed 4 February, 9.30am–1pm, Online
Session 4 – Political Engagement Skills: Wed 25 February, 9.30am–1pm, Online
Session 5 – Campaign Strategy & Collaboration: Wed 11 March, 9.30am–4.30pm, Crescent Arts Centre
Pricing
- Non-members & organisations: £50
- TDNI individual members: £25
All discounted bookings will be verified against current membership status.
Register
Full programme details and booking are available via Eventbrite.
Acknowledgements
TDNI is principally funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council. Staging Change is supported by Halifax Foundation and delivered by Sara McCracken. TDNI thanks all partners and contributors involved in shaping this programme.