Events & Tickets

Calling All Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Artists in the North West!

Factory International, Lollobal and me are looking for craftspeople, musicians, dancers and workshop leaders for an event celebrating GRT History Month at Aviva Studios in Manchester on 1st June 2025.

‘Kushti Cumpenia: A Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Celebration’ will be a family friendly, fun-packed day where we can show off our histories, cultures, languages, music, dance and crafts to both community members and the wider public of Manchester.

Gathered around a vardo, chitty and yog, the afternoon will begin with workshops in traditional crafts, e.g. paper flowers, beady pockets, basket weaving etc. alongside craftspeople creating traditional spoons, puppets, barge paintings etc. who will also chat to visitors about the history and traditions of the crafts.

We will then have a storytelling/ spoken word portion with storyteller Richard O’Neill MBE and an open mic available with slots for family-friendly poetry and tales.

The event will finish spectacularly with traditional music and dance from Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman and Boater traditions.

And this is where we need you! We are looking for: Musicians/bands, dancers, craftspeople and workshop leaders (this is a paid gig). Please email me via the link below with a short bio and a video/ images of your act/ craft. The deadline for applications is midnight 18th April.

We will also be recruiting open mic performers closer to the event so feel free to contact me regarding this also.

Warwickshire Libraries Hosts ‘Kushti Kherd’ a Special Open Mic Night Celebrating Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month, 2025

‘Kushti’ is the Romany word for ‘good’ and ‘Kherd’ can refer both to ‘home’ and ‘skills/talents’.

Rugby Library will host an exclusive open mic night on Friday, June 6th, showcasing talented performers from Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman and Boater communities. This special event builds on Warwickshire Libraries' successful 2024 collaboration with Romani artist Gemma Lees, which included school workshops and a GRT Library Tour.

The evening welcomes musicians, comedians, poets and performance artists with GTRSB heritage to share their talents. Small travel bursaries are available for performers on a first come first served basis.

This celebration of GRT culture and creativity continues Warwickshire Libraries' commitment to amplifying diverse voices and creating inclusive community spaces.

Interested performers can apply with a brief description of your act, how you would like to be introduced and a photograph that you’d like to use for promo by Friday 9th May.

Testimonials

"The children have responded so well to working with Gemma, where it has certainly been a highlight of their week! Gemma has always been enthusiastic and shown a real kind and caring manner when working with our children. This partnership with Gemma has had huge benefits with all our community and given children a real insight into a community, which is special to where we live." Matthew Parker, Head of School, Wolvey CofE School (Hidden Stories)

"They were brilliant sessions and the children and teachers really enjoyed and valued the playing, creating and thinking they did. Job well done!" Michelle Temperley, Programme Manager, Young People & Communities, Word Up North & Ilkley Literature Festival

"I love this, the life of Travelling community needs more exposure. This guide is amazing." Jamel Campbell, Early Years Consultant and Educator, Bleu Carrot (Tapestry Guide to GRT Inclusion)

"Working with Queer Britain and phenomenal facilitators like Gemma to positively increase our communities’ representation is truly a moment of realising that you are part of history. Truly an honour and a priceless privilege". Workshop participant, Ruarí McClay (Traveller Pride & Queer Britain)

"This is a great idea that serves specific audiences in the GRT and Neurodiverse communities. The panel were excited to see a show pitched about and for a community that is not generally represented in theatre. Liked the singalong aspect integrated throughout and all of the access considerations. Gemma was very thoughtful to make the production neurodiverse-friendly and interactive." Kate McKeown Projects Manager Mercury Musicals Development (BEAM2023, 'Mind Your Business!')

"There is such a wonderful humour that runs through this play and Gemma's instinct to play with the storytelling and the form of the piece is so interesting. There are also some wonderful details revealed about the characters that have such theatrical potential and will really come to life on stage." Gurnesha Bola, Literary CoOrdinator, Royal Court Theatre ('Mind Your Business!')

"Warwickshire Libraries has been thrilled to work with Gemma to engage with, and unpack, the local history and cultures of GRT communities. Gemma’s research, creativity and hands-on engagement has manifested in meaningful impact with local schoolchildren, families and communities throughout Warwickshire, as well as a superbly informative and fun roadshow that travelled to our libraries and even the Police HQ in Warwick. Gemma has allowed us to open up to, and challenge assumptions about, libraries within Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, as well as expand our Local Studies collection to include positive and inclusive narratives about Traveller experiences and impact." Dr Anjna Chouhan, NPO Creative Producer, Warwickshire County Council

"Gemma's writing is invigorating and when performed - sharply executed. She facilitates workshops with generosity, sharing the well-honed skills of her craft and effectively balancing the building of confidence whilst also giving constructive feedback. She encourages groups to critique each other, empowering them as readers and a thinking audience as well as writers and performers. Her administrative ability is a rare bonus too! Dodging the stereotype with ease she is organised, punctual and understands the importance of monitoring. All round one in a million!" Emma Melling, Programme Co-Ordinator, Cartwheel Arts

"Gemma Lees is a popular, engaging and accessible poet whose work and delivery is always a big hit with audiences. An experienced event organiser, workshop leader and compere/host I have no hesitation in recommending Gemma for many kinds of booking." - Tony Walsh, Poet

“Gemma’s distinctive artistic voice and eloquent translation of complex narratives, historical themes, and societal themes is an exemplar for socially engaged theatre, combining a unique blend of cultural awareness, creative innovation, and an unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. Gemma demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for character voice and presentation, working enthusiastically and encouraging and assisting other writers. This demonstrates her community and care-centred practice. She created a consistent and powerful world, showcasing her ability to blend artistic creativity with methodical research, and her commitment to precise and polished work. Gemma proved her exceptional capability as a performer - a writer, composer, actor, and singer and on stage she is compelling, with passionate, authentic performances, and a captivating voice.” Jamie Hale, Artistic Director, CRIPtic Arts, (‘Rollercoaster Dai’)

"Gemma’s background as both an artist and someone deeply attuned to issues positions her as a vital voice in art and advocacy. Gemma’s creative practice is truly inspiring, marked by a unique ability to translate complex social issues into immersive and thought-provoking installations. Her vision for the 'Non-Living Room' project captured our attention because of its potential to challenge perceptions of space, safety and exclusion." - Samra Said, Co-Director & Producer, Arts & Homelessness International

"I have been aware of Gemma and her work for a long time, and I can attest that she is a dedicated and skilled practitioner in whatever she turns her hand to. Based on her many impressive creative projects we were thrilled to invite Gemma to join the cohort of Factory International Fellows in 2024. Gemma met this opportunity with enthusiasm, curiosity and passion throughout. She was a delight to have on board at every stage of the process and truly made the most of the opportunity granted to her. Gemma's skill at making work publicly accessible, impactful and open to all is second to none and will be of immense value in future to anyone she partners with or supports." - Punam Ramchurn, Artist Development Manager, Factory International

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