Our latest episode features Alexia from Destroy Boys! If you like your queer punk, check out episode 34!

Did you hear about the naughty ex-headteacher who got arrested? Clip from the latest episode of Vandal Factory.

New episode out now! Featuring @joshuaidehen.bsky.social chatting about his new collection and what gives him HOPE! Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

The Big Freelancer Survey 2025 - Report, 'Who's taking the hit?' is out now. The data provided by thousands of respondents since 2020 presents a clear and deeply concerning picture of the situation in which UK arts freelancers find themselves. freelancersmaketheatrework.com/bigfreelance... 1/5 🧵

We took a break from recording the latest podcast...

Featuring Palestinian poet Farah Chama and Brazillian musician LIEV, chamaeleon explore identity and resistance. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or via YouTube!

New podcast out now! Featuring @milliemanders.bsky.social recorded LIVE at Manchester Punk Festival!

My full podcast with @vandalfactory.bsky.social on being a creative & work for @artistsunioneng.bsky.social added bonus - Blue Skies #ellafitzgerald I sing this every day -every time someone announces they have gone over to Blue Sky I start singing it 🎵🎶🎹🎤 👩🏾‍🎤 youtu.be/SYNVKX4BpuM?...

Live at @greenbeltfestival.bsky.social! In August 2024, we had the privilege to record a live podcast on the Rebel Rouser stage at Greenbelt Festival. And rebels were roused! We were joined by mischief-making troubadours @lunatraktors.bsky.social. Listen whenever you get your podcasts!

Freelance in the arts? This is for you. 🎭 On stage or backstage 🎶 Opera, dance, touring, circus 🎨 Design, tech, live events & more We need your voice in The Big Freelancer Survey. 📝 Take part now: 👉 buff.ly/b6cekkK #BigFreelancerSurvey #Freelancers

Culture As Resistance. Recorded at the finale event at 2024's Leeds Palestinian Film Festival. Featuring three Palestinian artists discussing their courageous, bold and brilliant work. Listen whenever you get your podcasts.

Bad times

Culture As Resistance. Recorded at the finale event at 2024's Leeds Palestinian Film Festival. Featuring three Palestinian artists discussing their courageous, bold and brilliant work. Listen whenever you get your podcasts.

Freelancers! We need YOU!

We want to hear from YOU! Self-emloyed in theatre, music, visual art, dance, comedy, festivals, live events, museums, libraries, galleries? Send us a voice note telling us about your thoughts and experiences! Email or DM us for more info. [email protected]

Freelancers! We need YOU!

Live at @greenbeltfestival.bsky.social! In August 2024, we had the privilege to record a live podcast on the Rebel Rouser stage at Greenbelt Festival. And rebels were roused! We were joined by mischief-making troubadours @lunatraktors.bsky.social. Listen whenever you get your podcasts!

Episode #28: Joy Is Resistance! Featuring Marina Barham from the Al Harah Theatre near Bethlehem and Amber Massie-Blomfield. We talk about theatre and art as a tool for social justice and change!

We want to hear from YOU! Self-emloyed in theatre, music, visual art, dance, comedy, festivals, live events, museums, libraries, galleries? Send us a voice note telling us about your thoughts and experiences! Email or DM us for more info. [email protected]

Don't Let Your Guard Down! Episode #28 was released just after the 2024 general election. We talked about Labour's cultural promises. Plus, we interviewed Emilia from punk band The Menstrual Cramps and the folks at the Hangout CIC, an LGBTQ+ youth club.

For the 2024 UK general election, we released the ACTIVIST ARTS MANIFESTO. Writers, musicians, actors, & directors told us what needs to change about the cultural sector. Including @richardburgon.bsky.social MP for East Leeds. Listen whenever you get your podcasts or via our website!

In episode 26 we met two amazing Palestinian artists from Bethlehem. Taqi Spateen creates murals across the world. Juman Quneis is a film-maker telling women's stories. We’re also joined by Jon Wakeman from East Street Arts. Find out why people in Leeds are "friends of salt & revolution."

Passionate poet Shareefa Energy and insightful film-maker Richard Weston were guests on episode #25. We discussed political creative writing and working class stories. Listen whenever you get your podcasts, or via our website!

Live from 2024's Manchester Punk Festival! Episode 24 featured poet Liv Wynter and folk-punk stalwart Erica Freas and a lovely audience of punx! Listen whenever you get your podcasts!

Due to the nature of freelance employment & lack of a sector specific tax code, it is impossible to collect much data. When a freelancer goes out of business they do so so quietly that unless you’re really listening, you won’t hear a thing. #FreelancersMakeTheatreWork

Episode #23: Decorated with Solidarity. Natalie & Henry interviewed Clara & Flora about their Music for Science project and the situation under the new Argentinan government. Then we speak to @redladder.bsky.social about We’re Not Going Back, a fierce show about women in the Great Strike.

Who should we be interviewing in 2025? What events, shows and exhibitions should we be attending? What topics, themes and issues need addresses? Come on Vandals, let us know!

In episode #22 we spoke to two musicians. @andrewoneillcomedy.bsky.social is an occult comedian, and metalhead musician. Johnny Campbell is folk singer usually found rambling up a hill. His new album of field recordings explores radical history through song. Now picture them in a sitcom together

Oh didn't realise Mark was here! Tagging trouble-maker @markthomasinfo.bsky.social (Who was the first - and so far only - guest to sing his song recommendation!)

Our first episode of 2024 featured the legendary comedian, activist and trouble-maker Mark Thomas! We also spoke to Seth from @foldfm.bsky.social whose album We Do Not Forget is a top banger here at VF HQ. Available wherever you listen to podcasts, YouTube or our website!

Disability Arts & Activism Special! We took a trip to the People's History Museum to see their exhibition Nothing About Us Without Us. We speak to Vincent Laws and Gill Crawshaw, and Natalie shares her own experience of being a disabled artist.

Palestine Solidarity Special 🇵🇸 In December 2023 we released this special 2-parter featuring over a dozen Palestinian artists and their allies discussing poetry, film, theatre and music. www.vandalfactory.co.uk/palestine-so...

Our first live episode was at Big Up! Festival at the Tetley. We interviewed photographer Shy Burhan and rapper Henny Hurtz about community work. Recorded in front of a live audience!

The Seeds & The Tools! In episode #17 Peyvand Sardeghian makes her first of many appearances. We discuss local anti-fascist action and a community project about food.

Anarchist Artwork is Fun! In episode #16 we interviewed CJ, the brains behind Black Lodge Press. We discussed artwork, anarchism and adventures. Listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Episode #15 was busy! We talked about grief, the Writers and Actors strikes in the USA, the @middlechildhull.bsky.social & Milk Presents show Modest and attacks on the Freesom Theatre. Available wherever you get your podcasts!

A year ago today, Professor Refaat Alareer was killed by the Israeli military on 6th December 2023, along with his family. With pride and sorrow, we carry his words on our banners and in our hearts. "If I must die, let it bring hope, let it be a tale"

In episode #14 we chatted to Hannah Davies about her wonderful poetry book, Dolls. Then Dani from Faintest Idea discussed all things ska-punk!

Episode #13: Dance Like A Feminist. We met with Bolshee CIC to discuss their Dancefloor Project - asking people what makes them feel safe on a night out. Plus, we discuss Douglad Hind's book 'At Work In The Ruins'.

Episode #11: Pay Up! We joined the Leeds TUC demonstration in solidarity with striking workers from the NUT, UCU and others. Plus we spoke to Rachel and Natalie about political poetry and creative spaces. Give us a listen!

Episode 11: Common Altruism. Where we chatted to Nathan from @marthadiy.bsky.social about their anarcho-banger of an album. Plus Evie Manning of Common Wealth theatre discusses their feminist show You Are Here As A Witness.

We hit 10 episodes in October 2022! We spoke to the fab @hettyhodgson.bsky.social about environmentalist theatre and Sharon Bailey from the Battle of Stockton anti-fascist campaign. It's getting hot in here! 🔥🔥🔥

Back in August 2022, episode #9 featured theatre company SHEWOLVES and their play by @sarahjoymid.bsky.social about young people's fight for climate justice. Check us out on your podcast apps or Spotify (or our website!)

On Thursday, 28th November at 5pm, arts workers are joining the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s call for a National Workplace Day of Action in Solidarity with Palestine. This is a sector-wide expression of solidarity. One in London, and one in Glasgow.

In episode #8 we interviewed eco-artist mermaid Lucy Meredith from @yorkslifeaqua.bsky.social & @bramleymermaids.bsky.social. Plus you'll hear voices from @bectu.bsky.social and other Trade Unions at the @the-tuc.bsky.social London demo Find us wherever you get your podcast!

In episode #7 we were all about the music! We spoke to feminist hardcore punk legends Petrol Girls and folk-punk troubadour Joe Solo about their new albums! (Well, new for 2022).

In episode #6, Henry reported back from Manchester Punk Festival with vox pops from punk poets. Then it's off to a musical! We interviewed the sparkly Frances Bolley about her role in Hedwig & The Angry Inch at Leeds Playhouse. Give us a listen on your podcast app, or via our website!

In episode #4, we spoke to the passionate director @freyjawinterson.bsky.social about theatre & vital community work. Plus Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan talked about her political poetry and latest book about Islamophobia.

Hope you can join us to find out more about #JayabenDesai & Grunwick Strike and it's relevance to today.

Vibe Journeys! In episode #3 we spoke to film curator Mosa Mpetha about DIY screenings, and dancer & theatre-maker Madeline Shann about her environmentalist work. Give it a listen!