We create experiences that are as vital and nourishing as good food.
What is Appetite?
Appetite is a vibrant arts programme bringing world-class, inspiring cultural experiences to Stoke-on-Trent.
We believe great art should be for everyone, so we work hard to remove barriers to and make it easy for everyone to join in.
We proactively seek out different communities to invite along and support diverse artists – including those with SEND – to share their work.
Appetite is a Creative People and Places programme, initiated and funded by Arts Council England, that supports communities to shape the cultural experiences they want in the places where they live! Our consortium is lead by New Vic Theatre and includes Partners in Creative Learning (PiCL), 6Towns Radio, Keele University and University of Staffordshire. We work closely with a wide range of local and national partners who you can see over on our How We Work page.
Since launching in 2013, we’ve worked with brilliant artists, passionate local decision-makers and wonderful volunteers to co-create unexpected and unforgettable arts events in and for our communities – from large outdoor circus spectacles in parks to intimate gigs in bus stations.
Check out our archive pages for a taste of what we do.
Urban Astronaut by Highly Sprung Performance @ The Big Feast 2017
Appetite is for everyone. Appetite is for you.
Who is Appetite for?
We believe great arts and cultural experiences should be part of everyday life, and that everyone should have the chance to enjoy them.
So, whether you’re looking for free events or things to do with children, spending time with family and friends or curious about what’s happening in your area, Appetite is here for you.
Appetite is also for the people and organisations who help make these experiences possible. We work with local residents, artists, community groups and partners to shape the programme together. Their ideas, creativity and local knowledge help us make sure what we offer reflects the communities we serve.
However you choose to engage – as an audience member, participant, volunteer, artist or partner – you help make Appetite what it is.
The Spurting Man by Avanti Display @ The Big Feast 2017
What is an Appetite event like?
There’s no such thing as a typical Appetite event; they come in all shapes and sizes – just like the people who make and enjoy them!
TRUTH! by Hijinx & Ramshacklicious @ The Big Feast 2024
You could see circus, cabaret, puppetry, dance, South Asian culture, or even works of art being made in real time right before your eyes.
Our work takes place in town centres, parks, community centres and outdoor spaces across Stoke-on-Trent. We’ve done everything from hyperlocal events in Middleport and Bentilee to grand spectacles on the water at Central Forest Park.
Our events are almost always free to attend, relaxed and easy to drop into, so you can come along without needing to plan too far ahead or spend lots of money.
We build inclusivity and accessibility for all into everything we do, so our events usually always include audio description, BSL interpretation and touch tours. We prepare Easy Reads and have access information on our website for every event that we do.
We want it to be easy to attend our events!
How we got here
Appetite began with a simple idea: that more people in Stoke-on-Trent should have the chance to experience brilliant art and culture close to home.
2013
Our journey started in the summer with an inspiring ‘taster menu’ of events across Stoke-on-Trent. Since then, Appetite has presented family-friendly, breath-taking cultural experiences in parks, streets, community spaces and unexpected corners of the city.
2019
The programme expanded into neighbouring Newcastle-under-Lyme, enabling us to work with more communities and partners to create exciting arts experiences across the wider area.
2022
Appetite was awarded National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status by Arts Council England, recognising the impact of the programme and securing funding for a further three years.
2024
Arts Council England confirmed an additional extension year of funding, enabling the programme to continue until March 2026.
2025
By August, Appetite had welcomed more than 2.2 million audience members, worked with 3,400 artists, engaged 70,000 participants and been supported by over 2,400 volunteers.
In October of that year, Appetite was awarded £1 million to deliver more grassroots-led cultural experiences across 2026 – 2029 as part of Arts Council England’s largest ever Creative People and Places (CPP) Portfolio.
Vision & Values
Appetite’s mission is to get more people in Stoke-on-Trent to experience and be inspired by the arts.
Art Every Day
We believe art should be part of everyday life, and as nourishing and joyful as food.
Inclusivity
We want more people across Stoke-on-Trent to experience arts and culture, try something new and feel proud of where they live.
Quality & Innovation
We aim high, bringing in the best artists, pushing boundaries and continually raising the bar.
Co-creation
We make art with and for our communities. Local voices shape what happens here.
Partnership & Transparency
We value openness, trust and strong collaboration with artists, organisations, communities and funders.
Accessibility
Our events are designed with audience access in mind, and we build in features such as audio description, BSL interpretation and touch tours.