The latest exhibition at Arts Centre Washington uses the story of the “Washington Witch” who was said to have met her demise in 1696.

The Washington Witch? Wasn’t that Jane Atkinson? Possibly. Like many such tales, which have relied on over three centuries’ worth of word of mouth, the facts are somewhat veiled. But it’s said that Atkinson cast a spell that caused a disease that wiped out Washington’s cattle. A mob then tied her up in a sack and lobbed her into the village pond. Cut to the present day and Sunderland Indie has produced an exhibition featuring an array of artworks interpreting the notion of ‘witch’ in many thought provoking ways – taking in black magic, white magic, social injustice and murder. The show includes paintings, sculpture and photography – all fired by the wild imaginings of local artists.

WITCH, until 1 November, Arts Centre Washington, sunderlandculture.org.uk/arts-centre-washington