Delivered by Sole Purpose Productions in partnership with The Exchange Inishowen, North West Migrants Forum and Donegal Intercultural Forum, the project brings together migrant, refugee and local communities to build confidence, create connections and celebrate culture through the arts.
Whether you want to meet new people, improve your English, build confidence, learn a new skill or simply try something different, Common Shores welcomes everyone.
Autumn Programme & Updates
Looking for the latest workshop information?
This webpage will always contain the most up-to-date programme. If workshop dates, venues or times change after our printed brochure has been published, they will be updated here first.
Latest Update
Autumn workshop bookings are now open.
The Creative Writing & Storytelling workshops take place from 1 October – 12 November 2026.
Please check this page regularly for the latest programme information.
Autumn Workshop Programme
Songs Without Borders
Build confidence and friendships through music and song.
Join our welcoming singing group where people from all backgrounds come together to sing, share songs from different cultures, practise English through conversation and enjoy the power of music in building community.
Facilitator: Maeve Leahy
When: Tuesdays
Dates: 8 September – 20 October & 3 November – 17 November
Time: 6.30pm–8.30pm
Venue: Carlisle Road Methodist Church Hall
Confidence Workshops, Using Non-Verbal Theatre
Build confidence, communication and creativity through movement and physical theatre.
These fun, interactive workshops explore expression without words in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Facilitator: David Olugbenga Lawal
When: Wednesdays
Dates: 9, 16 & 23 September
Time: 7pm–9pm
Venue: The Playhouse, Derry
Creative Writing & Storytelling
Discover your voice through creative writing, storytelling and poetry.
Whether you're an experienced writer or simply enjoy sharing stories, everyone is welcome.
Facilitator: Abby Oliveira
When: Thursdays
Dates: 1, 8, 15 & 22 October and 5 & 12 November
Time: 6pm–8pm
Venue: Carlisle Road Methodist Church Hall
Confidence Through Acting
Develop confidence, communication and presentation skills through actor training.
Facilitator: Sarah Munro
Dates: To be confirmed
Your Story Your Song
Award-winning songwriter Bernie Doherty brings her inspiring songwriting workshop to Derry.
Create songs inspired by your own memories, stories and experiences.
Dates: To be confirmed
Good Relations Week
12–18 October
Join us for a series of shared creative events across Derry and Donegal celebrating diversity, culture and community.
Further details coming soon.
Human Rights Day Showcase
Celebrate the creativity and achievements of Common Shores participants at our end-of-year showcase.
Date: Thursday 10 December
Time: 7pm
Venue: To be confirmed
Coming Soon at The Exchange, Buncrana
Our partners at The Exchange Inishowen will also be delivering a range of exciting workshops this autumn, including:
Teen Sewing
Create Your Own Tote
African/Irish Fashion Fusion
Public Speaking
Drama & Theatre
Painting
Podcasting
Dates and venues will be announced soon.
Songs Without Borders Comes to Letterkenny
Maeve Leahy will also bring the popular Songs Without Borders programme across the border to Letterkenny.
Further details will be announced shortly.
Download the Autumn Programme
Prefer a printable version?
Download the Common Shores Autumn Programme (PDF)
Please note: This webpage always contains the latest programme information. If there are any changes to dates, venues or times after the brochure has been printed, they will be updated here first.
Why Take Part?
Common Shores celebrates the rich diversity of the North West and recognises the important role creativity can play in building stronger, more connected communities.
Participants have the opportunity to:
Build confidence
Meet new people
Improve communication skills
Learn new creative skills
Celebrate different cultures
Share stories and experiences
Express themselves through music, theatre and writing
Develop lasting friendships
✨ All workshops are FREE.
✨ No previous experience is required.
✨ Everyone is welcome.
Get Involved
Whether you're new to the area, have lived here all your life, love singing, enjoy writing, want to improve your English, or simply want to meet new people, Common Shores welcomes you.
To book a place or find out more:
Patricia Byrne: solepurpose@mac.com
Project Partners
The Exchange Inishowen
A community and cultural organisation based in Buncrana, supporting creativity, inclusion, and community engagement across Inishowen.
North West Migrants Forum
Supporting migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and ethnic minority commun ties throughout the North West.
Donegal Intercultural Forum
Working to promote inclusion, diversity, and intercultural understanding across County Donegal.
Funded By
Common Shores is funded through the PEACEPLUS Change Makers Programme, supporting projects that promote peace, inclusion, and positive community relations across the region.