Curious about the magic behind the scenes? Handy with a glue gun? Fancy yourself a keen assembler of flatpack furniture?

We’re calling upon skilled amateur makers, DIY enthusiasts and crafters to join us as part of the team making the puppet animals that will add to Manchester’s herd. From wildebeest and red deer to wolves and vervet monkeys, participants will learn intricate puppet-making techniques led by a team of skilled facilitators and see the animals they have made in the MIF25 opening event.

Workshops will take place in Manchester city centre in late May / early June and are open to all aged 16+ from across Greater Manchester. All materials will be provided, and a contribution towards expenses is available.

Bookable sessions will be released in early May. To be the first to hear more send an email with the subject line MAKING THE HERDS to makingtheherds@factoryinternational.org

Are you aged 18+ and living in Greater Manchester? Would you like to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime training and performance opportunity with the internationally renowned team behind THE HERDS?

We’re seeking over 100 aspiring puppeteers to join THE HERDS from Sunday 29 June to Saturday 5 July. Participants will train and rehearse with THE HERDS creative team and travelling company over four-days of intensive workshops (10am – 6pm) in Manchester city centre, before three public performances on 3 July (Manchester) and 4 and 5 July (in Rochdale and Wigan).

You’ll get to be part of a global arts project that raises awareness about the climate crisis, as well as expand your skills in physical performance working alongside Artistic Director Amir Nizar Zuabi and world-leading puppeteers Ukwanda Puppets & Designs Art Collective and Craig Leo.

The full call for puppeteers will open in Spring. To register your interest in taking part please send an email with the subject line MOVING THE HERDS to makingtheherds@factoryinternational.org.

Let the Wildness In is the official digital educational resource of THE HERDS, filled with activities, inspirational content and sensory experiences designed for children aged seven to 12.

Through seven chapters – each exploring a major world habitat that THE HERDS will travel through e.g. the Congo Basin, the Sahara Desert, the Mediterranean and the Arctic Circle – children will be introduced to one animal for each habitat, telling the animals’ stories, exploring their challenges and adaptabilities.

Not only can they make their very own puppet animals including tree pangolin, hedgehogs and puffins but there are lots of ways for them to creatively express themselves around the topic of climate change and the environmental crisis.

If you’re a teacher, facilitator or community worker, make sure you sign up here to download each of the seven chapters and attend the free series of online workshops demonstrating how you can bring to life the activities, actions and games within Let the Wildness In, as well as connect with THE HERDS education team and leading conservationists.

FREE DROP-IN LET THE WILDNESS IN WORKSHOP

Drop-in to Aviva Studios between 11am and 2pm on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June to get stuck into some of the activities, actions and games from the Let the Wildness In activity pack, including making your own animal puppet. No booking required. Everyone is welcome but activities are designed specifically for primary-aged children.

MAKING THE HERDS

Join one of our free family workshops on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June in Manchester city centre. Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the animal puppets as well as getting hands-on making your own animal puppet from the Let the Wildness In activity pack. Free tickets will be released in early May. Everyone is welcome but activities are designed specifically for primary-aged children.

To be the first to hear more send an email with the subject line FAMILY to makingtheherds@factoryinternational.org