At Something To Aim For (STAF) we believe that everyone has the right to access the arts and their individual creativity. We believe in a fair and genuinely inclusive society where everybody has space to contribute. We are striving to create a society – and a cultural sector – where everyone’s full identities and experiences are celebrated.

We use our skills and lived experience to provide creative infrastructure support for artists and artist-led organisations to develop the necessary business, administrative and executive skills to level up their practice. We partner across sectors to drive meaningful change and reimagine how the arts can serve everyone.

Our approach is asset-based, grounded in the belief that the insight and creativity needed to transform the sector already exists within the communities we work with. Through community-rooted support, training, and consultancy, informed by our skills and experiences, we build the conditions for sustainable, values-led creative practice.

The first of our Manchester grassroots music scene Summer Listening ! @fruittones, @duvet.band, @dachshund_band and @deafwhip at @thecastlemanc "A benefit show for Medical Aid for Palestine, arranged as some of the featured bands and fellow g
LIBERATION written by Ntombizodwa Nyoni and directed by @mons_about. "In the same vein as BBCs Small Axe, the opportunity to see work that presents the history of the rich and multifaceted Black British struggle is incredibly exciting. Also, sp
The Miss Chief Cabaret @misschief_cabaret at MIF Festival Square "Featured live music, drag, comedy and games - celebrating the talent of queer and trans artists. They were given the theme of "Manchester" but took it in their own misc
Next up on the STAF Summer Listening journey was Adult Orphans by @bex_ashton "A 2-hander that explores grief, obligation and resentment between two sisters whilst trying to clear their late parent's house. All the while, trying to find a star
First stop this summer for our team of STAF Listeners is SAUNIGA by @fafswag! Our STAF Listeners share thoughts on how a piece of work made them think in a new way about lived experience, representation or the UK artist landscape. "Described a
Let us know if you're presenting work at ##edfringe25 and #gmfringe2025. We'd love to know about it to signal boost for you and see if we can come see it. How is it delivering work, maintaining your wellbeing and considering the future. It can prove
🚨 CHANGE OF VENUE! 🚨 Join us at SeeSaw space, on 29th May for our free artist networking event and panel discussion on collaboration in the Arts in Greater Manchester. We'll be hosted by the delightful @seesawspace space, Princess Street, Manches
Join us Thursday 1st May 3.30-5.30pm at Wythenshawe Forum Performance Space for our next Manchester Artist Network event! Meet like-minded creatives, discuss your creative journeys and share artistic opportunities across the Greater Manchester area