‘Stronger Seams: Beyond Coal’ is a fascinating new exhibition which is opening at Arts Centre Washington this June.

The transition from fossil fuels to green energy is rarely just about technology – it is about the people and landscapes left behind. ‘Stronger Seams: Beyond Coal’ is a compelling mixed-media exhibition from the East Durham Artists' Network (EDAN) that explores this complex evolution. Developed in collaboration with the Durham University Energy Institute, the project examines the social and environmental legacy of the north-east coalfields. Through a diverse range of artistic responses ‘Stronger Seams’ asks how the cultural identity forged in the pits can survive and thrive in a sustainable future. It is a vital reflection on heritage, resilience, and the next generation of energy production, moving beyond nostalgia and focusing on innovative green possibilities.

Stronger Seams: Beyond Coal, 19 June-25 July, Arts Centre Washington, sunderlandculture.org.uk/whats-on/stronger-seams-beyond-coal