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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Save the date: Mafwa Midsummer Our annual Refugee Week celebration returns to the Roxby Community Garden for its biggest year yet. From 19–21 June the garden will fill with performances & activities from Brave Words, Yorkshire Dance, Hind & the Jafar Cakes, Boom Chikka Boom, Kuluhenna Drama & more

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

Zine artist commission 🫟 We’re looking for an artist to document an upcoming project, capturing stories, movement and shared moments from our women’s drama group. £1,000 fee + £500 materials Apply by 20 April buff.ly/pZYEo71

Graphic reading “Zine Artist Commission” with “Apply by 20th April”, over an image of people dancing and laughing together, tinted in coral tones.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Safe travels to our co-artistic director Tamsin ✈️ She’s off to Uganda next week as part of the Communication & Creativity project, a 3-year collaboration with the @universityofleeds.bsky.social She’ll be co-directing a new play with We Are Walukuba, a community theatre group based in Jinja!

Tamsin, a young woman wearing a blue patterned dress and large blue earrings reads from a notebook, hand resting on her chest, while standing in a softly blurred indoor setting with others in the background.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

🥁OPEN CALL: Public Art Commission We’re looking for an artist to develop a site-responsive artwork for Sheepscar Beck in Leeds. £4,550 artist fee + £15,000 production budget Deadline: 13 April, 9am Apply: buff.ly/e9HUQis

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Our spring Art Club workshops with Lens Lab began this week, so we’re looking back at Photogreening, a photography project Mafwa members created a few years ago with photographer Emily Ryalls.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Last week we took a group of participants over to Bradford for a little day trip to visit the Turner Prize exhibition at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery🖼️ The shortlisted works draw on themes of memory, labour, migration, care, power & place, playing with colour, shape & texture in really striking ways.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

We love being part of Leeds’ amazing food growing community 🌱 If Lincoln Greeners or the Roxby Community Garden has meant something to you, nominations for the Feed Leeds Food Growing Awards are open🥕. Anyone can nominate! Details below

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

A few moments from last month’s Communication & Creativity performance. What began as conversations about family & tradition grew into scenes full of joy, chaos & tenderness, shaped through play & improvisation. Sharing this with friends felt like the perfect way to celebrate. 📸Annabel Cohen

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

At the end of November, the lovely folks from the Nature Neighbourhoods team stopped by Roxby Community Garden for a little autumn reset 🧹🍂 We spent the morning litter picking, tidying the space and restocking the vegetable library as winter set in.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Last chance for Christmas delivery 🎄 Order by Fri 19 Dec for guaranteed delivery! Our shop features prints, pins & more, with every purchase supporting our work with refugee and asylum seeker communities in Leeds. www.mafwatheatre.co.uk/shop

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

A few moments from our Communication & Creativity workshops at @universityofleeds.bsky.social Over the past few weeks, participants have been sharing stories, exploring family life and thinking about the joyful, awkward and chaotic moments that happen when generations and traditions come together.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

You’re invited! 🎉 Join us for a final sharing of scenes from our Communication & Creativity workshops, exploring how culture is passed on across generations & the chaotic celebrations that bring families together across the world. 📍 Stage@Leeds 🗓 17 Dec, 12–2pm RSVP: info@mafwatheatre.co.uk

A green background covered with scattered metallic star and sequin confetti. On top sits a cream-coloured card tilted slightly. The card reads: “Communication & Creativity Celebration. YOU’RE INVITED! Stories, culture, tradition & performance. 17th December | 12–2pm. Alec Clegg Studio, Stage@Leeds. Free to attend. RSVP info@mafwatheatre.co.uk.” Mafwa Theatre and University of Leeds logos appear at the top corners.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Over the last 2 years we’ve been part of Nature Neighbourhoods, a national pilot exploring how community orgs can lead meaningful, place-based action for people and nature. What a joy to learn alongside so many brilliant groups across the UK @rspb.bsky.social @wwf.org.uk @nationaltrust.org.uk

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ben @noii.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

leeds gift ideas 🧵 (trying to focus on local creators and institutions, I'm sure I'll miss some classics)

black and white skateboard from Welcome Leeds with rose motif says "Don't Mess with Yorkshire"

Hyde Park Book Club t-shirt, modelled by someone perched on a beer keg. "MEGA DEAL … LOW PRICES … £12.99"

Brudenell Social Club mascot pin badge is a happy dog face

someone wearing a Remember David Oluwale t-shirt

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

✨Little gifts with a big impact ✨ Every item in our shop holds a story & every purchase helps us continue to offer free creative sessions, travel support, childcare to over 200 participants each year. 🎁If you’re choosing thoughtful gifts this season, our shop is open buff.ly/LYa9IQr

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

We’re so proud that Lincoln Greeners won Environmental Achievement of the Year at the Leeds Compassionate City Awards!🦉🧡 From a small weekly gardening group to a thriving community growing food, sharing skills and transforming the neighbourhood - this award belongs to everyone who’s been part of it.

Bei and Danmore stand in front of an orange, navy and white balloon display at the Leeds Compassionate City Awards. Bei holds the framed award certificate for Lincoln Greeners, and Danmore holds the golden owl trophy.

A display table at the awards ceremony showing the golden owl trophy, the framed award certificate for Lincoln Greeners, printed event programmes and order of service sheets, with a cabinet of civic memorabilia behind it.

Bei, in a red jacket, stands at a podium holding the golden owl award and smiling. Danmore stands just behind her, also smiling. A Leeds Compassionate City Awards banner and flowers decorate the stage area.

A close-up of the golden owl trophy reading “Environmental Achievement of the Year – Mafwa Theatre, The Lincoln Greeners Project,” held in front of the illuminated Leeds Civic Hall at night, with two large golden owl statues visible in the background.

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Boaz Trust @boaztrust.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

⚠️ Following yesterday’s announcement by the Home Secretary to radically overhaul the UK asylum system, we condemn in the strongest terms the proposals made. The scale and scope of the measures announced are abhorrent and represent a catastrophic threat to the right to refugee protection. 🧵1/4

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 13/11/2025

🍂 We’ve spent the last month running Art Club with Space2 - free creative mornings using leaves and natural materials. Everyone’s been experimenting in their own way, and it’s been such a lovely mix of play, colour and seasonal creativity! www.mafwatheatre.co.uk/current-proj...

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

🌿 Filming at the Roxby Community Garden! The Nature Neighbourhoods team joined us in the Roxby Community Garden the other week to film a short piece celebrating the end of the project and highlighting Mafwa’s involvement. 🎥 Keep your eyes peeled for the finished video!

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

We’re thrilled to receive funding from Unlimited & the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to upgrade equipment & spaces for our weekly groups 🌿🎭 This small capital funding will help us make our creative spaces more accessible & welcoming for refugees, asylum seekers & settled communities in Leeds.

weareunlimited.org.uk

Accessibility Programme

We’re delighted to be working once again with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to deliver a new round of funding to improve access across the region. Following a successful 2024 pilot, which awar...

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 26/09/2025

The Lincoln Greeners were savouring the best of both seasons earlier this month. We enjoyed the late summer sun whilst preparing for the months ahead, picking vine leaves & harvesting pumpkins. 🍁 Shoutout to Asnie, who brought her sash along to celebrate being a Miss Global England finalist! 👑

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 18/09/2025

🍁 New this autumn: Art Club 🎨 Free weekly creative mornings in Roxby Community Garden with Mafwa Theatre & Space2. Explore playful, nature-inspired art like cyanotypes, leaf prints & more. Spaces are limited so sign up today! www.mafwatheatre.co.uk/sign-up

Blue poster with illustrations of scissors, leaves, flowers, and seed pods in a cyanotype style. Large orange text in the centre reads “ART CLUB.” Smaller white text below: “Wednesdays, 1 Oct – 26 Nov, 10:30am–12pm, Roxby Community Garden.” Logos at the bottom: Better Together, National Lottery Community Fund, Leeds City Council.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

In a time when division is often in the headlines, it’s vital to share projects creating space for dialogue & solidarity.We’re proud to feature in Chapel FM’s Bridges Not Borders, a brilliant series empowering refugees & asylum seekers to share stories. 🎧 Listen: www.chapelfm.co.uk/elfm-player/...

chapelfm.co.uk

Bridges NOT Borders

Bridges NOT Borders is show empowering refugees and asylum seekers to share their stories, experiences, and insights. Join us on a journey of discovery through the connections that can be made within ...

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 08/09/2025

We’re opening our doors at Patrick Studios this Sat for Leeds Open Studios (11–14 Sept)! Step inside artists’ workspaces, meet makers & join activities. Our studio will be open for a nosy + we’ll be manning a stall downstairs, come say hi! eaststreetarts.org.uk/event/open-s...

eaststreetarts.org.uk

Open Studios at East Street Arts - East Street Arts

Join us this September as we open the doors to Patrick Studios and Convention House for our Open Studios – a rare chance to step inside working studios, meet the artists, and explore the creative hear...

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 03/09/2025

☀️It’s been a summer full of good weather & good growth & the Lincoln Greeners have been busy soaking it up. We’ve welcomed new faces, shared meals, enjoyed harvests & made the most of the season. Now we’re looking forward to settling into the rhythm of planting, pruning & gathering as autumn beckons

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Migrants Organise @migrantsorganise.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Everyday we are confronted by the relentless brutality and weight of multiple protracted crisises. We can’t ignore our rage, but we won’t be consumed by it. "Hope is a Discipline" is a short #SolidarityKnowsNoBorders film resource for changemakers. Watch with us 🎥 www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8AD...

youtube.com

Hope is a Discipline! Solidarity Knows No Borders!

YouTube video by Migrants Organise

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

🌱✨What a summer it’s been with Garden Gremlins! Over the past month, several hundred children & parents joined us in Roxby Community Garden, filling the space with colour, laughter & creative chaos.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

🌞 Garden Gremlins starts tomorrow! Our free summer art club for families kicks off Thursday 11am–4pm in the Roxby Community Garden. Drop in any time. Stay as long as you like. Everyone’s welcome. 💚

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 27/07/2025

☀️Such a lovely day out on Thursday with some of our Kuluhenna Drama & Lincoln Greeners crew! We took a trip to Temple Newsam and explored the house, learnt about its history and amazing art collection, then wandered over to the farm to see the piglets 🐷 and spring lambs 🐑

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

Amazing work, having a safe, welcoming place to land can be life changing. Big love to @refugeesathome.bsky.social and everyone opening their doors and making space where it’s needed most.

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Refugee Action @refugeeaction.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

Our thoughts are with the people seeking safety, including children, who have been targeted with racist harassment, threats and violence outside the buildings in which they have been forced to live.

Big bold text says "the government is failing to unite our communities"

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

🌞 Just in time for summer – our brand new enamel pin is here! Inspired by the Roxby Community Garden, it’s a pocket-sized celebration of everything we’ve grown together. Prices start at £2.50 - or get one for free when you spend £10+ 💛 www.mafwatheatre.co.uk/shop/p/mafwa...

A colourful enamel pin featuring abstract floral shapes in yellow, green, pink, and blue with the text “Mafwa Theatre” on a navy background. The pin sits on a patterned backdrop inspired by a mural. Bold blue text at the top reads “New in the shop.” A green starburst highlights a special offer: “Spend £10+ and get one free!” Text at the bottom reads “Take home a little piece of the Roxby Community Garden.”

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

🌱Last month, Bei & Danmore took a trip to the beautiful Meanwood Valley Urban Farm to lead a workshop for the Nature Recovery & Connections Conference, part of the @climateactionleeds.bsky.social Festival.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

✨ Still feeling the love from Refugee Week 2025 ✨ Family Flourish Day was full of joy, music, dancing & play. Catch up on the week with photos, a brilliant Chapel FM radio piece & ways to support our work: tinyurl.com/3yyw3cjk

Three girls hold hands and dance in a circle, smiling and mid-spin, surrounded by plants, chairs, and other families.

A group of people playing drums and clapping under a gazebo, smiling and engaged, with others mingling and chatting in the background.

A group of adults and children dancing together outside, including volunteers in hi-vis and participants of all ages, with greenery, speakers and banners in the background.

A Mafwa staff member in a pink vest chats with a young boy beside tables filled with potted plants and herbs, with a mural and other stallholders behind them.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

🌿🖍️ Garden Gremlins is back! Join our free family art club - a space to build, play & explore together in the Roxby Community Garden. 🎨Each week, we’ll use natural materials to explore colour, shape & imagination. No need to book, just drop in & enjoy some creative time outdoors! 🌞Open to all ages

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Playbox is open & day one was a blast! Over 80 kids joined us for bubbles, water play & creative fun in the sun 🫧☀️ Families even brought picnic blankets & stayed to eat dinner by the box! A joyful start to #RefugeeWeek 🧡 Find us by Granville Rd/Ferriby Towers: Wed–Fri 2–5pm | Sat 11–4 | Sun 1–6

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Alongside performances & workshops, the garden will be full of activities & stalls to explore this Sunday.. 🌼Get creative with Space2’s natural craft activities 🌿Visit the Lincoln Greeners stall for fresh produce & teabag making 🎓Chat to the Lifelong Learning Centre about learning opps & resources

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

This year’s Family Flourish Day invites you to move, breathe & connect through 2 dance workshops offering a unique window into culture, tradition & connection💃 🇿🇼 Mambokadzi Dance Workshop: Led by Zimbabwean choreographer Enisia Mashusha, this workshop fuses African rhythms, storytelling & movement.

A stylised, duotone image in blue and orange tones shows four women dressed in African dance attire, posing together beside a large tree in a grassy outdoor setting. Bold text over the image reads “Mambokadzi Dance Workshop” and “22nd June – Family Flourish Day.”

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Getting ready for the first Playbox session in LS9 today! Water play, & creative games incoming 💦☀️ Find us next to Granville Rd/Ferriby Towers 📍The Playbox is open all week: Tues–Fri: 2–5pm, Sat: 11–4pm, Sun: 1–6pm

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Leeds Refugee Forum @leedsrefugeeforum.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Join LASSN for a night of films showcasing perspectives on life as a refugee/asylum seeker from around the world. Thursday 19th June 6:00pm Archive, Kirkstall Road, LS3 1HD www.eventbrite.com/e/lassn-refugee-week-short-film-festival-tickets-1381952780969 contact barnaby@lassn.org.uk for ticket help

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

“Our people are not voiceless. They’re just waiting to be heard” - listening to Sabah Achide of MEMEC at Leeds International African Arts Festival’s ‘North African Narratives’ this morning

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Leeds Refugee Forum @leedsrefugeeforum.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

@retasleeds.bsky.social are screening a very special film - ‘Life is Beautiful: A Letter to Gaza’, for our community with an art workshop beforehand to express ourselves. Free to all. Thursday 19th June 6:00 pm St Luke’s Church, Malvern Rd, LS11 8PD More info: lorna@retasleeds.co.uk / 07523911196

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 17/06/2025

Playbox01 has touched down in LS9! Join us & Playful Anywhere for free family fun this Refugee Week 🎉 Playbox is a big shipping container choc-full of creative games, crafts, & space to build, explore & unwind. Whether you’re 2 or 92 - play is for everyone

A colourful Playbox shipping container sits open on a grassy area with the words “come play” on the door and play equipment hanging from hooks. A large iridescent bubble floats in the foreground. Bold yellow text reads “LS9 Playbox is back!” and a round white label in the top corner says “next to Granville Road/Ferriby Towers.” A black bar along the bottom includes logos for Mafwa Theatre, Playful Anywhere, Walk It. Ride It., Leeds City Council, and Veolia, with a caption below that says “Free family fun for all ages. *Please accompany children.”

Two children play joyfully on grass in front of a large black shipping container filled with toys, chairs, and creative materials. One child is running and smiling; the other holds a long green stick. Bold yellow and black text at the top reads: “Come find the big shipping container Playbox01.” A white box at the bottom displays opening times for the LS9 Playbox:
• Tuesday 17th June: 2pm – 5pm
• Wednesday 18th June: 2pm – 5pm
• Thursday 19th June: 2pm – 5pm
• Friday 20th June: 2pm – 5pm
• Saturday 21st June: 11am – 4pm
• Sunday 22nd June: 1pm – 6pm

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

This #RefugeeWeek, #OurSuperpower is growing together 🧡 We're celebrating the power of community to transform spaces & lives through creativity, care & connection. Our Family Flourish Day is a reflection of what happens when neighbours, artists & families come together to grow something beautiful🌱

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

🚲 Leeds Bike Mill is back for this years Family Flourish Day! Drop by for free bike checks, minor repairs & advice from their friendly mechanics. You can also learn what’s on offer at your local active travel hub whilst you’re getting your wheels fixed🛠️ #RefugeeWeek #FamilyFlourishDay

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

🌟Meet some of the brilliant groups joining us at Family Flourish Day! 🌟 🎪 Clowns Without Borders - Specialists in silliness & joy,Clowns Without Borders support children globally to heal, learn & thrive. They’ll be leading a kids workshop filled with games, movement & playful expression!

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

🌼 Volunteers needed for Family Flourish Day! Join us on 22 June for our Refugee Week celebration Can you give 3+ hours between 3–9pm? New and returning volunteers welcome! 📍 Sign up: buff.ly/9vWfFrF

A bold graphic poster with an orange and red duotone image of volunteers smiling and clapping at an outdoor community event. The large blue text reads: “VOLUNTEERS NEEDED.” The image promotes a call-out for Mafwa Theatre’s Family Flourish Day.

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

🎟️The Participation Research Group at the School of Performance & Cultural Industries are hosting an afternoon of provocations & reflections for artists, organisers & cultural workers navigating creativity, care & resistance. 📍June 26th, Banham Theatre in Leeds www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/lee...

ticketsource.co.uk

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Mafwa Theatre @mafwatheatre.bsky.social · 29/05/2025

🌱Help us grow our garden! The Lincoln Greeners are looking for a few bits to support our gardening sessions, especially items to help us create bug hotels, a mini pond & expand our veg beds🐞🌾 If you’ve got anything to spare, just drop us a message!

Graphic with a green background and yellow text that reads: “Gardening materials needed.” Below the text is a photo of various potted plants in black plastic pots.

Graphic with a green background and yellow text that reads:
“Can you donate any of the following?
– Old terracotta pots
– An old sink, bucket, tray or pan
– Pond plants
– Compost
– Bamboo canes
– Small plant pots
If you’ve got anything to spare, drop us a message!”

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