We are Community Arts North West, but you might know us better as CAN. We work with urban communities in Greater Manchester to create access to cultural opportunities where people can stand up, speak out, challenge social justice issues and inspire change.

Take a look at our current projects and upcoming events.

Manchester Life was a creative collaboration between Phoebe McSweeney, a theatre-maker in Peshkar’s 2024 – 2025 Artist Development Programme, and Community Arts North West (CAN) through our Creative Pulse programme for young artists

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From October to July 2025 Band on the Wall and CAN have opportunities of free masterclasses and paid performances for solo musicians and bands who have experienced forced migration, displacement or the asylum process.

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Since 2005, the CAN Young Artists programme has worked with young people, both young migrants and young people from host communities in Manchester and Greater Manchester boroughs.

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CAN is delighted to announce the appointment of Anna Vu Thompson (née Nguyen) as its new Creative Director

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We were delighted to receive a Gold Award in the category of Industry Excellence Partnership from our partner, The Manchester College, for the involvement of college students in our CAN Young Artists’ programme in the college’s July awards.

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A Great British Welcome with photo stories of communities and organisations who’ve welcomed refugees and asylum seekers will be shown on Manchester’s Market Street

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South Asian woman with audience reading poetry

A celebration of women’s voices in Rochdale for 2024’s International Women’s Day

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Created in partnership with HOME, Horizons features newly commissioned theatre, performance, visual art, film, community events, family-friendly workshops, plus live music

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On Monday 4 December at the McrCultureAwards, held at Aviva Studios, the project Pushing Boundaries, developed by Community Arts North West in partnership with Curious Minds, won the Promotion of Culture and Education award

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CAN is supported by