News: re:imagine

re:imagine is a two-year Arts Council England-funded community art project for the North East, which is set to provide a unique opportunity for adults from across the region to explore the impact of adverse personal lived experiences, learn about the creative industries, and initiate and develop their own creative practice. 

Devised by artist Richey Henderson, re:imagine aims to bring together some of the region’s biggest creative institutions, exciting cultural partners, and well-being professionals to create a communal space for would-be participants to make and exhibit co-created artwork. It is reaching out to adults from across Teesside and Tyne and Wear, with little to no previous experience of working within the creative industries and who want to kick-start a new career within the arts.

Over two years, participants will work alongside some of the biggest creative names currently working across the North East at venues including MIMA Middlesbrough, ARC Stockton, and the Saabat Gallery in Redcar and Cleveland. 

Industry experts supporting the project include Sunderland’s internationally renowned SouthPaw Dance Company, award-winning Gateshead playwright Lee Mattinson, Newcastle-based zine and queer theatre-maker Mack Sproates, Teesside University lecturer and filmmaker Lesley-Anne Rose, North Star Co-Design community maker Louie Ingham, Northern Stage Young Company graduate Cooper McDonough, Iraqi-born artist and PhD researcher Henwar Baker, and musician and producer Dr Hannabiel Sanders (from Hannabiell & Midnight Blue Collective). 

Richey, a Teesside-based artist who has previously exhibited at MIMA Middlesbrough, Palace Arts in Redcar, and Teesside University’s Constantine Gallery, and who currently works for the anti-racism education charity Show Racism the Red Card, adds “I created this urgent and vital co-creation project because I wanted to give something back. Life can be hard, particularly when we find ourselves in situations such as unsuitable relationships or adopting unhealthy lifestyle choices that impact on our mental health and well-being. Sometimes we all need someone to pull us up the ladder every now and then. The amazing collection of creative partners I’ve brought together to support our participants are experts in their fields. With their support, and the support of some of the region’s best creative venues, the re:imagine project is set to take our participants on a truly magical journey of discovery, transformation, and affirmation that provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reimagine a new career in the creative arts”.  

The two-year re:imagine project is set to launch in September 2023. Anyone interested in participating can gain more information on how to apply here.