Get involved in arts, culture and heritage in Reading
There are lots of ways to get involved with arts, culture and heritage here in Reading. And we'll do our best to gether all the opportunities for that in one place!
Whether you want to join a choir, audition for a play, volunteer at an event or venue or find some other way to be part of Reading's arts and cultural scene, you'll find it here on this page.
Christmas in Reading Writing Competitions
This competition celebrates the diverse ways people engage with the winter season and the holidays within the context of Reading, UK. We're looking for poems and short stories that showcase your unique traditions, unexpected moments, or quiet reflections that take place in or around Reading during winter.
The poetry and short story categories are split into three age groups : Children up to age 11, Young Adults Ages 12-17 and Adults Age 18+
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Find out more
Want to create a Mural? Looking for Expressions of Interest
The University of Reading is seeking Expressions of Interest for the design and delivery of a large-scale mural on the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus. Spanning approximately 9.5m wide x 3m high, the mural will be painted onto the wall of the University of Reading’s historic Edith Morley building. The mural will celebrate 100 years since the University of Reading was granted a Royal Charter and became a university.
The chosen artist, creative or collective will have experience in co-creation, community engagement, and public art delivery. The chosen mural should ensure maximum visual impact, create a focal point on Whiteknights campus, and enable our communities to engage thoughtfully and curiously with the history of the university. The artwork will illustrate our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to our future. The mural is funded by the Centenary Project Grant Scheme and will be unveiled in 2026, at the annual University of Reading Community Festival (May 2026).
Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra are looking for strings!
String players - come and play Mahler's 9th Symphony with the APO in October!
They're assembling a huge orchestra to perform Gustav Mahler's immense Ninth Symphony, this October. Fixing is going well, with a full complement of woodwind, brass and percussion. Cello numbers are looking healthy and while they've got a decent number of very capable violins, violas and double basses, they could do with a few more to create that intense sound so prevalent in this epic work.
If you play violin, viola or double bass to a Grade 8+ standard, take a look at the rehearsal schedule and joining details. If you're diploma level with significant orchestral experience, but can't make all the rehearsals, let them know what you can make and they can usually accommodate reduced rehearsal attendance.
Rehearsal schedule - aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk/rehearsals
New joiners details - aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk/joining-apo
Volunteering
Current volunteering opportunities, from one-off projects to those organisations that are always happy to sign-up new volunteers. Supported by our friends at Reading Voluntary Action.
Auditions + Casting Calls
Ever wanted to take to the stage here in Reading? We'll gather up all the open audition info we can from local theatres and performing troupes in Reading and share them on this page. And maybe you'll get your shot in the spotlight!
Join a choir
Reading is home to a multitude of choirs, all filling their own unique niche in the choral community - and they're always on the lookout for new voices to join them.
Paid roles
Our list of current paid vacancies in the arts, culture and heritage sector in and around the Reading area.
Open Mic nights
Looking for a chance to get up on stage? There are plenty of open mic nights in Reading where performers of all kinds - and abilities - can get to sing a song, read a poem, tell a joke... Or two!
Young acts wanted for The Purple Turtle!
Calling all young bands and singers aged 16-19!
Do you want to play at The Purple Turtle? Reading's long-running venue is on the hunt for new acts to play The Sunday Sessions.
These monthly Sunday afternoon gigs are aimed at giving young bands, singer-songwriters and solo artists the chance to play on stage with a full PA in a proper venue - one that's been supporting music in Reading for over 30 years!
If that sounds like you or someone you know, get in touch via neilg@purpleturtlebar.com
Traders wanted for Reading Comic Con
Do you have a rare collection you'd like to sell, Are you a retailer, artist or have any type of Comic-Con relate merchandise to sell or even something NEW and EXCITING you'd like to bring to the Comic-Con community!
If so, Creed Convention Events is the perfect place for you to sell your items at!
Tables start from JUST £45 per table, and you can secure your tables today with just a £10 deposit through our online booking store (It's that simple!)
Email us today, exhibitors@creedconventions.com or you can fill out our online form which has all the 2025 events on for you to fill out!
Want to try something new?
See all activities, classes and workshops
Get involved in Reading's Festivals
Reading may be known for one particular festival, but we're a town that's filled with them all summer long (and longer!).
And there are usually plenty of opportunities to be part of our festival community - volunteering, performing, offering stalls and more.
Check out all the festival opportunities for Reading and be part of one of our great events!