The women powering creativity: celebrating International Women’s Day at Waterside Arts

Every great cultural space has a heartbeat, a driving force behind the scenes that ensures creativity thrives.

At Waterside Arts in Sale, Greater Manchester, that force is powered by an extraordinary team of women.

They are the curators, event coordinators, and support staff who bring exhibitions to life, create welcoming environments, and ensure that the arts remain accessible to everyone.

This year, as Waterside Arts celebrates International Women’s Day, it’s not just about the incredible lineup of exhibitions and workshops—it’s about the women who make it all happen.

Women who dedicate themselves to the arts, to community-building, and to making sure every voice, every story, and every talent gets the recognition it deserves.

International Women’s Day at Waterside

Among them is Michelle Keeling, Visual Arts Curator, whose role is to shape the artistic landscape of Waterside. “I love both aspects of my job—finding and selecting fascinating exhibitions to showcase and then designing the space in a way that truly honours the work,” she shared.

This year, she has curated Supporting the Supporters, an exhibition that not only showcases stunning artworks but also highlights the incredible community organisations that empower women and girls. “Art is powerful,” she said. “it doesn’t just tell a story; it starts conversations and drives change.”

When asked about International Women’s Day, Michelle was proud that Waterside were taking part.

She said: “I think it’s an incredibly important day to celebrate and recognise the achievements of women.

“Through my work at Waterside, I’ve seen just how much is happening in the arts world, particularly with female-led organisations that are dedicated to advancing opportunities for women.

“I love that this day provides a platform to showcase and appreciate all the amazing things women contribute.”

For Kelly Graves, Ticketing and Event Coordinator, the magic happens when the doors open and audiences flood in. “I could be working on ticket sales one minute, and the next, I’m backstage making sure the performers have everything they need,” she says. “No two days are the same, and that’s what makes it so exciting.” She believes International Women’s Day is a vital reminder of how far women have come and how much there still is to fight for. “It’s a moment for us to step back and recognise our achievements, to celebrate the strength we have within us.”

Strength is something Kelly embodies in her own life—she is also a dedicated martial artist. “Martial arts has made me more confident and resilient. It’s a way for women to take up space, to feel powerful and in control.” She speaks passionately about how seeing young girls train reminds her of the importance of community and self-belief. “When we come together, we lift each other up. That’s what Waterside does too—it gives women a space to express themselves, to be seen and heard.”

For Sylvie Harding, Business Support Officer, Waterside represents something even bigger than the events it hosts. “I love that my job allows me to see everything that happens behind the scenes. Every single person here is so passionate about what they do, and it creates this incredible atmosphere,” she says. A musician herself, Sylvie understands the importance of having spaces where women can freely express themselves. “Creative industries can still feel like a boys’ club sometimes. That’s why we need venues like Waterside that actively support and showcase women’s work.”

Sylvie emphasised the importance of making women feel comfortable and valued in creative spaces. “It’s not just about giving women opportunities—it’s about making sure those opportunities feel safe and welcoming. The more we create these spaces, the more natural it becomes. It’s not just an event for one day, it’s about lasting change.”

This ethos is woven into every event planned at Waterside for International Women’s Day. From drama workshops to photography exhibitions, each experience is designed to celebrate, inspire, and empower.

International Women’s Day Events at Waterside

This year’s International Women’s Day theme at Waterside is “Accelerating Action”, a global call to acknowledge and support strategies that positively impact women’s advancement. Here’s a look at some of the standout events happening throughout March:

Supporting the Supporters: International Women’s Day Exhibition

Gallery ‘74 | March 1st – March 29th | Free

An immersive showcase celebrating women-led organisations that uplift and support women across Trafford and Greater Manchester. Featuring powerful artwork, photography, films, and poetry, this exhibition highlights those making a real difference in the community.

Little Faces, Big Feelings

Lauriston Gallery | Until April 19th

This striking photographic collection, curated by documentary photographer Maria Reaney, captures the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and young people through an authentic female lens. Sixteen female photographers from ten different countries document emotions ranging from boredom and longing to playfulness and curiosity.

A Woman’s Lens – Creative Workshop

The Studio | March 8th | 12:00 – 13:15 & 13:30 – 14:45 | £3 | Ages 12+

An interactive workshop led by Maria Reaney, where participants can create their own photomontage or collage using the Little Faces, Big Feelings exhibition as inspiration. This hands-on experience provides a unique opportunity to explore creativity in a safe and supportive space.

Female Photographers’ Exhibition Talk

Lauriston Gallery | March 8th | 15:30 – 16:30 | £3

Join Maria Reaney, along with participating photographers Claire French (Manchester), Sosina Mengistu (Ethiopia), and Patricia Faustino (Portugal), for an insightful discussion on the role of female photographers in documenting history. This conversation underscores the importance of independent documentary photography in preserving truth.

Light Up Drama Workshops

The Chambers | March 14th, 21st & 28th | 11:00 – 14:00 | £3

Led by drama facilitator Nour Sabouneh, these workshops focus on unlocking inner strength, building self-confidence, and enhancing communication skills. Designed for women of all backgrounds and cultures, including those whose first language isn’t English, these sessions provide a supportive environment for self-expression.

• March 14th: Unveiling the Self – Self-Exploration Through Drama
• March 21st: Express Yourself – Emotional Expression & Communication
• March 28th: The Power of Teamwork – Trust & Collaboration Through Drama

The women of Waterside Arts are so much more than just staff members—they are curators, artists, musicians, martial artists, and champions of creativity. Their dedication ensures that Waterside remains a space where women’s voices are heard, their work is celebrated, and their achievements are recognised.

Whether you’re attending an exhibition, taking part in a workshop, or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, this year’s International Women’s Day at Waterside is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who make it all possible.

From behind the scenes to centre stage, these women are shaping the future of the arts—and that’s something truly worth celebrating.

You can find out more about what’s on at Waterside Arts by clicking here