Artist development at Waterside is delivered through Creative Industries Trafford (CIT).

CIT provides support, training, mentoring and opportunities for artists and creatives in Greater Manchester and beyond.

Featuring a year-round professional development programme, CIT covers a number of fields including literature, visual arts, contemporary design, theatre-making and animation. The objectives are to increase artistic quality and to help artists build sustainable creative careers.

Activities include the Cosgrove Hall Film Archive, celebrating the legacy of the renowned animation studio, and curating the gallery spaces at Waterside which focus on photography, contemporary design, animation and the moving image.

CIT runs the Northern Lights Writers Conference, the Puppet Masters Animation Conference; plus a successful theatre development programme that has supported a number of theatre-makers and helped to create touring work.

CIT manages the visual arts spaces at Waterside:

• Lauriston Gallery, the venue’s main exhibition space

• Gallery 74 which showcases work from emerging practitioners

• Screenlight, a display for moving image art, animation and digital media

Acting as creative producers, CIT has created theatre and audio commissions for the National Trust on the Live at Lyme Project.

CIT is supported by Trafford Council and Arts Council England and we’re committed to copyright retention and fair fees for artists. For more information and to discuss our work or partnership opportunities, email cit@watersidearts.org

PROJECT LEAD / LITERATURE SUPPORT

Richard Evans has run CIT since 2006. His previous arts development roles include Redeye: The Photography Network, The Design Initiative along with a range of freelance event, fundraising and project management work.

ANIMATION

Jessica Wheeler is an animation director, writer and producer. Her commissioned work includes Euphorbia 2017 (broadcast as part of Channel 4’s Random Acts, Jaybirds 2019 (produced with Little Dot Studios on behalf of Channel 4) and Growing Plains 2021 (New Creatives, co-funded by Arts Council England and BBC Arts).

https://www.jessicawheeler.co.uk

Rosy Whittemore manages the Cosgrove Hall Films Archival Project, developing, curating and touring the collection. In parallel with our animation strand, she has been collaborating with the CIT team to improve the collection as a resource for new animators and members of the public.

https://www.cosgrovehallfilmsarchive.co.uk

CONTEMPORARY ARTS

Michelle Keeling is a glassmaker and freelance curator. She makes handmade contemporary kiln formed glass products and as a curator has organised the British Glass Biennale, as well as exhibitions for Great Northern Contemporary Crafts Fair and Waterside.

https://michellekeelingglass.com

THEATRE

As well as supporting newly commissioned productions, we work closely with Waterside Arts to support a number of theatre companies in the development of new performances through provision of rehearsal space, where possible within the venue’s busy programme.

For a full list of productions and companies supported by Waterside Arts, please see this link.

WATERSIDE

Waterside is a thriving and vibrant arts venue in the heart of Sale in Trafford. Comprising a theatre, art galleries, studios and workspaces, the centre is an important regional hub for both performance and visual art.

It is a major touring venue for theatre productions, music groups, comedians and art exhibitions, while at the same time providing a vital resource for the local community. The centres hosts classes, seminars and workshops on subjects ranging from drama to salsa and poetry to tai chi. It also regularly serves a base for regional music and performance groups including Touchdown Dance.  

The venue is funded by Trafford Council and supported by Engie, Arts Council England, Manchester Airport, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lauriston School Trust.