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The Crack Magazine

Art

Steam to Green: A North East Energy Revolution

Discovery Museum’s major new exhibition will tell the story of energy and the climate crisis in the North East by looking back to the industrial revolution, and forward to the pioneering contributions in green technologies happening now across the region. With exciting new displays, science and engineering objects from the museums’ historical collections, and new interactives, Steam to Green will demystify new technologies and showcase how the North East is leading the way once more.

Venue:
Discovery Museum, (Closed on all Bank Holidays) Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4JA
Date:
Jul 20th 2024 - Jul 20th 2026
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 11:00 - 16:00 , Mon-Fri 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Nerys Johnson: Disability and Practice

The exhibition explores Johnson’s lived experience of rheumatoid arthritis and the subsequent impact of disability on her artistic practice. The works on display have been chosen from a large body of Johnson's work, which was donated to the Laing by the Estate of Nerys Johnson in November 2022. The archive is comprised of thousands of works on paper, including sketchbooks, prints, and watercolours, dating from throughout her artistic career. Johnson is most well-known for the vibrant and often intense colours in her work combined with dramatic and abstract forms of flowers, often set against dark backdrops. Her work, however, is varied—she uses different media and includes a variety of subjects beyond flowers, notably including self-portraits, abstract nudes, and architectural motifs.

Venue:
Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AG
Date:
Dec 21st 2024 - Dec 6th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:30
Price:
Free

Harvest from the Deep

Pete Robinson is a North Shields-based award-winning wedding photographer but for the past 10 years has been on a mission to record the working and home lives of local fishermen engaged in one of the UK’s most dangerous industries. This exhibition includes a selection of photographs that capture the heart and soul of the North Shields fishing industry.

Venue:
The Old Low Light, Clifford's Fort, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 1JA
Date:
Jul 22nd 2025 - Aug 30th 2025
Opening Times:
Tue-Sat 10:00 - 15:00
Price:
Free

'The Secret Lives of Bottle of Notes: Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen'

Discover the story behind Bottle of Notes (1993), Middlesbrough’s iconic public sculpture and the only UK work by celebrated artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Over its 30-year life this nine-metre-tall steel bottle has been adopted as a symbol for the Tees Valley. The Secret Lives of Bottle of Notes, delves into how public art shapes identity and place. Through historical and contemporary artworks, archival materials, and creative contributions from Tees Valley communities, the exhibition traces the making of this significant sculpture, its meaning to the region, and its lasting impact on Middlesbrough’s cultural landscape.

Venue:
Mima, Centre Square, Middlesbrough, TS1 2AZ
Date:
Mar 14th 2025 - Oct 5th 2025
Opening Times:
Sun 12:00 - 16:00 , Tue-Sat 10:00 - 16:30
Price:
Free

The Wonderful World of the Ladybird Book Artists

A family-focused exhibition which celebrates the art of the Ladybird book artists from the 1940s to the 1970s. The display includes original art, audio visual elements and the centrepiece Wall of Books featuring hundreds of original volumes from the period. The exhibition is designed to engage younger visitors and to provide a dose of reminiscence and nostalgia for those who grew up with these classic works. A touring exhibition curated by Helen Day, Ladybird book specialist and enthusiast.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Jun 28th 2025 - Aug 31st 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
£10/under 18s £6/under 5s Free

SHOAL

An exhibition featuring 12 photographs by artist Mandy Barker. The series reveals evidence of marine plastic debris collected during the Japanese Tsunami Debris Expedition in June 2012. The work focuses on plastics collected and photographed from trawls and net samples at various points between Japan and Hawaii, and also from the tsunami affected shoreline in Fukushima Prefecture. Each image includes a different trawl sample, in some cases represented as tiny plankton, and captioned with the grid reference of where each sample was collected.

Venue:
Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT
Date:
Feb 21st 2025 - Nov 2nd 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:00 , Sun 11:00 - 16:00 , Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Newcastle University MFA Fine Art Degree Show 2025

The Newcastle University Fine Art MFA Degree Show brings together the work of emerging artists at both the mid-point and the culmination of two years of study on the MFA. The exhibition includes a diverse set of contemporary voices, practices and media including painting, new media, film, video, sculpture, photography, print, sound, and installation.

Venue:
Hatton Gallery, The Quadrangle, University of Newcastle, 6 Kensington Terrace, Newcastle, NE1 7RU
Date:
Aug 9th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Josephine: A Woman of Taste and Fashion

Discover the timeless elegance, craftsmanship and innovation of Joséphine Bowes’ textile collection in this captivating display. From opulent historical textiles to the cutting-edge creations of French haute couture, highlights include iconic designs from Yves Saint Laurent, Jeanne Paquin and Elsa Schiaparelli, as well as intricate embroideries and breathtaking lacework. Examples of Joséphine’s style influences from the mid-18th century will also be on show, alongside rare surviving pieces from her personal wardrobe and material from the archives.

Venue:
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
Date:
Mar 22nd 2025 - Mar 1st 2026
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
£19.50/under 18s Free

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Pippa Hale: Pet Project

Showcasing a solo commission by acclaimed artist, Pippa Hale, Pet Project sees the museum’s renowned ceramic collection re-imagined into a vibrant and interactive experience for all ages. With larger-than-life, soft recreations of animal figurines that can be played with, art and animal lovers can explore a display of the original ceramics that inspired them and share their own cherished items with the community. Be inspired as you learn about the traditional decorating and manufacturing techniques, as well as the cultural stories behind the collection, and create your own charming figurines to take home.

Venue:
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
Date:
Jul 26th 2025 - Mar 1st 2026
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
£19.50/under 18s Free

STEAM to the Future

This family friendly exhibition, following Railway Pioneers: Celebrating the Railway Rockstars of the Past, is transporting us into the present and beyond. STEAM to the Future takes a playful look at the near and BlueSky thinking using commissioned art pieces showcasing the design and science behind the rail industry.

Venue:
Hopetown, McNay Street, Darlington, DL3 6SW
Date:
Jul 11th 2025 - Oct 5th 2025
Opening Times:
Sun and Tue-Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

All Change! The Social Impact of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in the 200 years after 1825

A colourful new exhibition focusing on the impact of passenger railways on North-East life. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the first locomotive passenger train – a local invention that transformed the world – the importance and magnitude of the birth of the Stockton and Darlington Railway on transport systems around the globe cannot be measured.

Venue:
The Story, Mount Oswald, South Road, Durham, DH1 3TQ
Date:
May 26th 2025 - Jan 30th 2026
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 10:00 - 17:00 , Thu 00:00 - 19:00 , Mon-Fri 00:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Dinosaur rEvolution

Coming this summer, the blockbuster Dinosaur rEvolution exhibition will bring animatronic dinosaurs to Carlisle. The show will also feature replica fossils, skeletons and detailed illustrations by acclaimed artist Luis V. Rey. Dinosaur rEvolution will turn your idea of dinosaurs upside down. The exhibition draws upon recent research and presents dinosaurs with all the spikes, quills, horns, feathers and bright colours we now believe they had. No more drab dinosaurs, these exciting appearances will be presented through amazing visual representations of these incredible creatures.

Venue:
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 8TP
Date:
Jun 28th 2025 - Sep 14th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Adult admission (valid for 12 months) £15/Under 18s Free

Shakespeare Recovered: Durham's First Folio

In December 1998, the Durham First Folio, a copy of William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies, was stolen along with six other items while on display in Cosin’s Library. For a decade, there was no news of the missing books and Durham University had to accept that the First Folio was lost. But the story didn’t end there. In 2008, a badly damaged book was brought to the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington D.C. The book was presented to experts as a newly discovered copy of the First Folio that needed authentication for sale. Staff at the Folger quickly recognised the possibility that this book was in fact Durham’s missing copy and after verification it was returned to its rightful home on Palace Green. This exhibition tells the story of what happened next, exploring the work of our conservation team to make the First Folio accessible again. Visit to see a rare and important cultural artefact and experience a book as you’ve never seen one before.

Venue:
Palace Green Library, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RN
Date:
Apr 4th 2025 - Nov 2nd 2025
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Magna Carta and the North

Durham Cathedral is fortunate to possess three issues of Magna Carta, including the only surviving 1216 issue and further engrossments from 1225 and 1300, along with three Forest Charters including one of only two surviving 1217 issues, and further issues from 1225 and 1300. Recognised as being one of the most important documents in history, Magna Carta was first issued in 1215. It established the principle that everyone is subject to the law, even the King himself, and guaranteed the rights of individuals, the right to justice and the right to a fair trial. With three clauses from the 1225 Magna Carta still in force today, the document remains a cornerstone of British democracy. 800 years after the 1225 Magna Carta was issued, this exhibition will feature all six documents, exploring why Durham Cathedral came to have them, what they meant for life in the north of England, and their continuing importance today.

Venue:
Durham Cathedral, Chapter Office, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3EH
Date:
Jul 11th 2025 - Nov 2nd 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:00 , Sun 12:00 - 16:00
Price:
£7.50/under 18s Free

Weaving Stories: From Community Hands and Hearts

A vibrant exhibition celebrating the creativity and voices of community groups who regularly collaborate with the Oriental Museum. Spanning generations and cultures, each group explored a different part of the museum’s collection and responded through collage, painting, textiles, poetry, printmaking, and interactive installations. Their artworks reflect personal stories, cultural connections, and new ways of seeing the past.

Venue:
Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, (off South Road), Durham, DH1 3TH
Date:
May 24th 2025 - Sep 14th 2025
Opening Times:
Thu 10:00 - 19:00 , Tue-Wed and Fri 10:00 - 17:00 , Sat-Sun 12:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

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Cogs and Carnivals

Roll up, roll up and celebrate the fascinating world of cogs and carnivals! The exhibition brings all the fun of a vintage funfair to The Word, featuring mechanical marvels and games which you can play, move and explore. The installation will bemuse, baffle and bewilder with 30 interactive mechanics, inspired by the fairground and created by renowned and international artists.

Venue:
The Word, The National Centre for the Written Word, 45 Market Place, South Shields, NE33 1JF
Date:
Jul 7th 2025 - Nov 2nd 2025
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 10:00 - 16:00 , Fri 09:00 - 17:00 , Mon-Thu 09:00 - 19:00
Price:
Free

Brick Flicks

From Wayne’s World to West Side Story, The Matrix to Mary Poppins, and Laurel & Hardy to Life of Pi, see classic movies in LEGO bricks in this exhibition of some of the most iconic and memorable film moments of all time recreated by Warren Elsmore, the well-known artist in LEGO bricks. Each familiar scene has been carefully photographed to mimic the staging and lighting of the original movie, but with the scenery, actors and actresses recreated with everyone’s favourite building blocks.

Venue:
Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7NP
Date:
Jun 2nd 2025 - Aug 30th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Streets Above: Photographs of the roads and buildings that covered Roman Wallsend 

Housing built for ship-workers in the late 19th century once covered the whole site of the Roman fort and the surrounding areas. Most of these streets were demolished in the 1970s and 1980s, and the area was transformed. These photographs are records of those streets, and how this area once looked very different.

Venue:
Segedunum Roman Fort, 2 Buddle Street, Wallsend, NE28 6HR
Date:
Apr 1st 2025 - Nov 1st 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 15:00 , Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Adults: £3.98 | £2.98 Concessions ( includes £1 voluntary donation), NE28 residents Free

Collecting the Past 

The aim of many of the local museums set up in the 19th century was to have ‘the world under one roof’, so they collected a wide range of objects from around the world, including archaeological pieces. This exhibition looks at some of these objects and explores what we know – or don’t know – about them now. 

Venue:
Segedunum Roman Fort, 2 Buddle Street, Wallsend, NE28 6HR
Date:
Apr 1st 2025 - Nov 1st 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 15:00 , Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Adults: £3.98 | £2.98 Concessions ( includes £1 voluntary donation), NE28 residents Free

To Ushaw and Beyond

This exhibition uses artefacts from Ushaw’s collections to look at the study of space throughout history and how it is still relevant to recent scientific research projects at Durham University. It displays first editions of Isaac Newton, Galileo Galilei and Tycho Brahe.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Jun 28th 2025 - Aug 31st 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
Adult £14/child £8/under 5s Free

'In Motion – Middlesbrough Collection'

Artists are inventive and curious. They ask big questions and spark bold ideas – whether by exploring new ways to create, experimenting with materials or imagining possible futures. In Motion is a display of artwork from the Middlesbrough Collection held at MIMA. The Collection holds 2,350 works of art and craft made by artists based in the Tees Valley and internationally from the mid-1800s to today.

Venue:
Mima, Centre Square, Middlesbrough, TS1 2AZ
Date:
Apr 11th 2025 - Mar 22nd 2026
Opening Times:
Sun 12:00 - 16:00 , Tue-Sat 10:00 - 16:30
Price:
Free

Ro Robertson: The Ribs Begin To Rise

The first institutional solo show by contemporary artist Ro Robertson presenting a newly commissioned series of sculptural works alongside large-scale drawings and a video installation. Staged on the banks of the River Wear in Robertson’s hometown of Sunderland, The Ribs Begin to Rise takes inspiration from its location. It draws on the mouth of the River Wear, Sunderland Docks, Hendon Paper Works, the ropeworks and the 700 female shipbuilders who lived and worked in Sunderland. The exhibition reflects on Robertson’s family working-class history and the materials key to the industries which came to define Robertson’s upbringing and the region.

Venue:
Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, c/o National Glass Centre, Liberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL
Date:
Jul 26th 2025 - Jan 10th 2026
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Murillo: Master of the Golden Age Exhibition

Step into the splendour of Spain’s Golden Age through the work of Bartolomé Esteban Murillo - one of the most celebrated and enduring artists of his time.

Venue:
The Spanish Gallery, Market Place, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 7JF
Date:
Jul 29th 2025 - Dec 31st 2025
Opening Times:
29th Jul - 31st Dec 2025 00:00
Price:
Free with Auckland Palace admission

Hartlepool Mural Festival

Get ready to be inspired by Hartlepool Mural Festival! Watch as community spaces come alive with breathtaking murals created by talented artists, and dive into the vibrant world of street art brought indoors at Hartlepool Art Gallery.

Venue:
Hartlepool Art Gallery, The Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7EQ
Date:
Jun 28th 2025 - Sep 6th 2025
Opening Times:
Tue-Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Spirit of the North East: The art of Richard Hobson, a retrospective

In this exhibition, discover how Richard Hobson (1945–2004) captured the changing landscapes, industry and communities of the North East. From bustling shipyards to rugged moorlands and beyond, explore how Richard captured an industrial landscape and a way of life which was on the cusp of change.

Venue:
South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Ocean Road, South Shields, NE33 2JA
Date:
Apr 12th 2025 - Nov 2nd 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:00 , Sat 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

The Painted Coast: Tyneside

Showcasing the oil paintings of landscape artist Stuart Jones. Working outdoors on location with his easel is what drives Stuart’s work. In his 'plein air' paintings, his aim is to convey a sense of the light, mood and atmosphere at the coast as well as the activity taking place in his 'busy beach scenes'.

Venue:
Spanish City, Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear, NE26 1BG
Date:
Apr 8th 2025 - Sep 28th 2025
Opening Times:
8th Apr - 28th Sep 2025 TBC
Price:
Free

Celebration of Past Times

Welcoming back for the third time the Tynemouth Photographic Society with a wonderful exhibition in the café of 11 images of local scenes and events dating back to the late 1800s. Images include fish quay scenes with fish wives and the herring fleet, the Low Lights, Clive Street and Liddell Street, as well as the launch of the Mauretania, the interior of Tynemouth Plaza and the Long Sands.

Venue:
The Old Low Light, Clifford's Fort, North Shields, Tyne & Wear, NE30 1JA
Date:
Aug 5th 2025 - Sep 2nd 2025
Opening Times:
Tue-Sat 10:00 - 15:00
Price:
Free

Sci-Fi Monsters Exhibition: Seek, Locate, Restore!

Ten years ago, multi-media artist and author Neil Cole swapped life in the classroom for that of curator and creator of The Museum of Classic Sci-Fi in Allendale. For some 25 years, Neil has amassed and restored an eclectic collection of screen-used props, costumes and production material from classic films and TV series. This exhibition celebrates both the work of countless creatives who have sought to make real the impossible - and Neil’s work ensuring the survival of this legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Venue:
Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3LS
Date:
Jul 14th 2025 - Sep 6th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

With These Hands

This exhibition explores the representation of craft in paintings, drawings, and prints. The process of making and mending by hand whether a domestic pastime, rural and semi-industrial labour, or essential war effort, is a persistent theme to which artists return. Yet these artworks are rarely straightforward observations of everyday activity. Instead, the act of making is used to symbolise personal and communal identity, leisure and work, tradition and progress.

Venue:
Laing Art Gallery, New Bridge Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8AG
Date:
May 17th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:30
Price:
£8/£7

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Guiding Entities: Zoë Zo, Zoë Tumika & Zoë Guthrie

Guiding Entities is a solo exhibition by Glasgow-based artist Zoë Tumika, who works under the names Zoë Zo, Zoë Tumika & Zoë Guthrie. Spanning ceramics, film and sound, Tumika’s work draws on Black radical traditions of resistance and creativity. The exhibition takes the River Tees and River Clyde as starting points to reflect on extraction, resistance and the possibility of repair. They describe their practice as “a way of processing collision and untethering” — grappling with being and belonging across temporal, material, and spiritual dimensions. Their work negotiates the charged terrain of museums as sites of cultural construction and colonial legacy.

Venue:
Mima, Centre Square, Middlesbrough, TS1 2AZ
Date:
May 17th 2025 - Nov 23rd 2025
Opening Times:
Sun 12:00 - 16:00 , Tue-Sat 10:00 - 16:30
Price:
Free

Nature’s Tangled Web

An exhibition of work by Mike Collier, accompanied by Tom Jordan and Jane Young. Nature’s Tangled Web features work by Mike Collier dating back to the 2010s that is previously unseen in the North East. Tom Jordan is contributing new, intricately woven patterns that reflect our knotted relationship to culture and natural heritage. Jane Young is showing new work based on closely observed natural occurrences noted on walks in the Derwent Valley, seen and heard on her year-long residency at Lockhaugh Farm in Gateshead.

Venue:
National Glass Centre, Liberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL
Date:
May 14th 2025 - Sep 13th 2025
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Three Artists: Zac Weinberg, Joanna Manousis, and Anthony Amoako-Attah

Zac Weinberg, Joanna Manousis, and Anthony Amoako-Attah are artists based at National Glass Centre where they create their internationally acknowledged work. This exhibition offers a chance to see three individual shows in one building, including Zac’s ingenious constructions, Joanna’s work bringing together mirrored and cast glass, and Anthony’s practice inspired by traditional Ghanaian textile design.

Venue:
National Glass Centre, Liberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL
Date:
Jun 28th 2025 - Jan 10th 2026
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Beasts and Legends: Adventures Through North East Folklore

Beasts and Legends explores the development of storytelling throughout Historic County Durham. This family friendly exhibition features a selection of artefacts from across the Durham University collections to help tell the stories of local folktales. For those both familiar or new to the stories of the beasts and legends on display, the exhibition poses the opportunity for visitors, especially younger people, to connect with folktales through the displays. The exhibition also features objects on loan from Durham Cathedral, in addition to artworks created by collaborative work with local artist Ruth Flowers.

Venue:
Palace Green Library, Palace Green, Durham, DH1 3RN
Date:
Jun 14th 2025 - Nov 2nd 2025
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

A Striking Sight: The pioneering 1875 excavations of South Shields Roman Fort

2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the excavations in 1875 at the 'Roman camp' now, Arbeia, South Shields Roman Fort. This exhibition will look at the progress of the first few years of excavations from 1875 – 1881 when the Roman Remains Park was then established. The displays will include what was found, the people involved in the work as well as photographs taken at the time.

Venue:
Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum, Baring Street, South Shields, NE33 2BB
Date:
May 11th 2025 - Sep 28th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:00 , Sun 13:00 - 16:00 , Sat 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

VE Day 80: The Final Push

This display tells the story of both antecedent regiments of the Light Dragoons and the part they played in North West Germany during the final six weeks of the Second World War, which in turn led to Victory in Europe Day, 8 May 1945. The Final Push features the role played by the 15th/19th Hussars who, as part of the 11th Armoured Division, came across and liberated the internment camp at Bergen – Belsen on 15 April 1945.

Venue:
Discovery Museum, (Closed on all Bank Holidays) Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4JA
Date:
May 11th 2025 - Nov 2nd 2025
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 11:00 - 16:00 , Mon-Fri 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Where Were You Last Summer?

This exhibition examines women’s hidden voices of dissent from a South Asian perspective. Sehr Jalil and Padma Rao, two visual artists collaborate and explore the underlying currents of a post-colonial identity through personal stories and archival enquiry. In the context of the recent unrest in the summer of 2024, the artists investigate the tension and space between colonialism and women’s activism, unpacking the notion of conflict, violence and resilience; and how they are interpreted in the current climate.

Venue:
Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
Date:
Jul 18th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025
Opening Times:
Fri-Sat 09:00 - 16:00 , Wed 09:00 - 17:00 , Thu 09:00 - 21:00 , Tue 13:00 - 21:00
Price:
Free

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World cultures, traditions and friendships

Step into a world of vibrant culture, shared heritage and international celebration with World Cultures, Traditions and Friendships, a new exhibition created by the team behind the renowned Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance (BIFF). This captivating display features a dazzling collection of global treasures including traditional masks, dolls, carriages, a Samurai helmet, a Mexican drum, and other striking heritage artefacts. The exhibition also showcases artwork, drawings, scrapbooks, slide shows, and a specially commissioned archive documentary, marking the 60th anniversary of the Folklore Festival.

Venue:
Preston Park Museum, Yarm Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3RH
Date:
May 16th 2025 - Sep 1st 2025
Opening Times:
Sun and Tue-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
£5/£3

An exhibition of work by Charlie Rogers

United by seven iconic bridges across a bustling quayside, Newcastle and Gateshead has been a source of inspiration for many local artists including Charlie Rogers. Charlie was a self-taught artist who lived close to Gateshead Central Library, exhibiting in the gallery many times during the 60 years that he painted. He had a unique style and character in his work which captured his love of the streets and back lanes of Tyneside and the areas near the library including the Shipley Art Gallery and Saltwell Park. This exhibition will showcase a selection of paintings, watercolours and sketches, including some artworks that have recently been discovered.

Venue:
Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4LN
Date:
Jul 12th 2025 - Sep 27th 2025
Opening Times:
Sat 09:00 - 13:00 , Tue-Wed and Fri 09:00 - 17:00 , Mon and Thu 09:00 - 19:00
Price:
Free

Brian Eyler Exhibition

Brian Eyler is a professional landscape photographer originally from San Diego, now living in Newcastle. After moving in 2019 to join his wife, Brian shifted gears when the COVID-19 pandemic paused his video production business. Instead of stepping back, he returned to photography - his passion for over a decade. During this time, he drew inspiration from classical oil painters like Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Kinkade, whose romantic use of light and atmosphere influenced his evolving style. Brian’s work blends the realism of photography with the emotive qualities of fine art, often using panoramic formats to convey immersive, expansive scenes.

Venue:
Queen's Hall Arts Centre, Beaumont Street, Hexham, NE46 3LS
Date:
May 23rd 2025 - Jan 5th 2027
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

‘Seeking the Disabled Christ’ – Exhibition by Rachel Holdforth

Traditional portrayals of Christ often emphasise ideals of perfection, strength and beauty. Yet, Christ is resurrected with his wounds. His full humanity and sharing in the complete range of human experiences is as important as his divinity, since he is Emmanuel, God with us. This collection of prints by Rachel Holdforth – a disabled, neurodivergent and queer spiritual director, printmaker and chaplain – challenges the conventions of beauty and perfection, offering a powerful critique of cultural and religious norms that have historically marginalised people with disabilities. Through these striking images, Christ is depicted in solidarity with all humanity, revealing that divinity is present in vulnerability, difference and embodied experience.

Venue:
Newcastle Cathedral, St. Nicholas Sq, Newcastle, NE1 1DF
Date:
Jul 30th 2025 - Aug 27th 2025
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 08:00 - 17:00 , Mon-Fri 08:00 - 18:00
Price:
Free

Jill McKnight: Past and Future Pact

A new body of work by artist Jill McKnight comprising sculpture, works on paper and video inspired by Sunderland’s industrial heritage. The artworks were produced using art and design facilities at University of Sunderland while artist-in-residence for AA2A and DePOT (Deindustrialization and the Politics of Our Time) between 2023-24. The resulting body of work explores the identity of Sunderland 30 years on from mass closures across many heavy industries.

Venue:
Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, c/o National Glass Centre, Liberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL
Date:
Jul 26th 2025 - Dec 9th 2025
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Telling Tales: Making Stories Come to Life

Visitors of all ages are invited to explore the many ways in which stories can be told. A diverse and exciting collection of storytelling artefacts, including shadow puppets, theatre costumes, folk instruments, anime cels, movie posters, and more from various cultures and time periods showcase the universality of telling tales. As you learn the different methods there are to tell stories, experience the exhibition in your own way, through written guides, audio recordings, digital screen or museum-wide trail designed specifically for young learners.

Venue:
Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, (off South Road), Durham, DH1 3TH
Date:
Jun 13th 2025 - Nov 9th 2025
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 12:00 - 17:00 , Tue-Wed and Fri 10:00 - 17:00 , Thu 10:00 - 19:00
Price:
Free

Shorelines

A mixed exhibition of contemporary art inspired by our island coastline. A host of artists from across a range of disciplines will be exhibiting work that celebrates the space where land meets sea - whether it's the natural features of sandy beaches and rocky shores, the wildlife and sealife that thrives in these places, or the way we enjoy our coastline. Expect a curated collection of paintings, print, sculpture, and more from artists including Graham Rider, Sarah Carrington, Graham Muir, Kate Boxer, Stephanie Cunningham, Rhonda Smith and many more.

Venue:
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddard Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AN
Date:
Jul 25th 2025 - Sep 7th 2025
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

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Imitating Life

An exhibition featuring models from 19th Century glassmakers Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka. Imitating Life is an exhibition featuring the museum’s collection of glass marine invertebrate models from the renowned Blaschka family. The exhibition also includes invertebrate spirit specimens, fungi models, and an excerpt from the short film Fragile Legacy, directed by David O. Brown.

Venue:
Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT
Date:
Jun 1st 2025 - Sep 28th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Fri 10:00 - 17:00 , Sun 11:00 - 16:00 , Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Nathan Coley: You Create What You Will & Tate Modern on Fire

For the first time together, The Bowes Museum hosts Nathan Coley’s works, You Create What You Will (2014) and Tate Modern on Fire (2017.) Known for his thought-provoking public works, Coley explores how belief systems shape our cities, institutions and identities. Gaze up to the 5 and half metre illuminated text installation and wander around a mini burning version Tate Modern. Learn about the references behind the artworks, think about the roles of museums in society and reflect on your relationship with art.

Venue:
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
Date:
Jun 13th 2025 - Feb 1st 2026
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
£19.50/under 18s Free

Claire A Baker: In Progress and Process

North East award winning artist, maker and researcher, Claire A Baker has been commissioned to create a trio of flags titled In Progress and Process, in response to The Bowes Museum’s collection. Weaving together the past and present and exploring unfinished narratives these flags highlight the dynamic relationship between historic crafted artworks and contemporary practice. The series of flags, Process I, Process II, and Process III, show a visual journey of making and remaking, whilst a stitched tapestry design In Progress, inverts the traditional two-dimensional format of flags, transforming it into an interactive, tactile experience.

Venue:
The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8NP
Date:
May 31st 2025 - Jan 18th 2026
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
£19.50/under 18s Free

Enchanted Objects: Adornment and Personal Protection from Amulets to the Mobile Phone

Contemporary artist Dinah Kelly shines a light on the protective powers and symbolism of charms, talismans and amulets. She has drawn inspiration from our past and present connections with amulets to create a series of intricate and striking talismanic shirts and protective jewellery. Woven through the Silk Roads gallery these works are displayed alongside historic objects from the collection. The installation will also include some of Dinah’s sketchbooks and preliminary drawings, providing an insight into her artistic practice, and a talismanic shirt produced in collaboration with Creative Age, a weekly art group supporting people living with dementia and their carers.

Venue:
Oriental Museum, Elvet Hill, (off South Road), Durham, DH1 3TH
Date:
Jun 13th 2025 - Nov 9th 2025
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 12:00 - 17:00 , Tue-Wed and Fri 10:00 - 17:00 , Thu 10:00 - 19:00
Price:
Free

Northern Summer Exhibition 2025

This open-submission exhibition displays a fascinating and varied showcase of artwork from North-East artists, exhibiting a range of mediums, genre, subject and abilities. Whether a professional, a hobbyist, or have always fancied having a go, any Northern artist is welcome.

Venue:
Newcastle Arts Centre, 67 Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SG
Date:
Aug 9th 2025 - Sep 13th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 09:30 - 17:00 , Sat 00:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Painting For Fun Summer Exhibition

A vibrant exhibition, bringing together an eclectic group of artists united by their love of painting. With subject matter ranging from landscapes, portraits, local scenes, and botanical studies, there’s something for everyone. Most of the paintings are available to buy in order to support future Painting For Fun sessions. Preview on Friday 1 August, 6pm.

Venue:
Shieldfield Art Works, Formerly The Holy Biscuit, Opposite The Biscuit Factory, 1 Clarence Street, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1YH
Date:
Aug 2nd 2025 - Aug 30th 2025
Opening Times:
Tue-Thu 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Reflections through the Looking Glass - Melissa Duncan

An exhibition showing Melissa’s interest into the intricate beauty of the natural world and the human experience which she has looked at over the course of her Master’s. A significant portion of Melissa’s work focuses on animals, drawing inspiration from fairytales and, mythology. The blend of realism with a touch of the surrealism, draws the viewers into a realm where imagination and reality intertwine. Her pieces depict woodland animals, fantastical landscapes, or dreamlike scenarios that invite viewers to escape into a world of childlike wonder.

Venue:
Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
Date:
Jul 17th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025
Opening Times:
Fri-Sat 09:00 - 16:00 , Wed 09:00 - 17:00 , Thu 09:00 - 21:00 , Tue 13:00 - 21:00
Price:
Free

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Alan Ball: Master Potter

Alan Ball celebrates his 90th Birthday with a showcase exhibition of larger scale ceramics, alongside memorabilia and archive pieces from his career of 60 years. Born in 1935, Alan Ball trained and worked as a design engineer for many years. He began making pots in 1965. A founder member of Northern Potters, Alan had a studio and worked and taught as a full time self-employed potter at Washington Arts Centre for 20 years. He now works from his home studio making smoke decorated sculpture and one-off pots and bowls.

Venue:
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddard Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AN
Date:
Jul 25th 2025 - Sep 7th 2025
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Debbie Todd – Extra Ordinary: A Child Down’s Syndrome Project

Extra Ordinary is a photography project and exhibition created by Debbie Todd, a graduate of The Northern School of Art and Ushaw studio artist, that showcases the unique qualities and stories of children with Down’s syndrome. The project aims to celebrate the joy and impact these children bring to people’s lives, normalizing Down’s syndrome and promoting inclusion.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Jul 18th 2025 - Sep 7th 2025
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
Adult £14/child £8/under 5s Free

90 Years Going Further Together

A display celebrating 90 years of Newcastle International Airport from its inception, its role in the Second World War to its place in the North East region today. Featuring images from the Airport’s archive offering a glimpse into the Airport’s past and significance in the modern world.

Venue:
Discovery Museum, (Closed on all Bank Holidays) Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4JA
Date:
Jul 25th 2025 - Jan 11th 2026
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 11:00 - 16:00 , Mon-Fri 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

اپنی آواز Our Voice

A powerful exhibition of stories using film, photographs and words to celebrate the lives of first-generation South Asian women who have made Tyneside their home. Produced by New Writing North in partnership with Search Newcastle, اپنی آواز Our Voice Apni Aawaaz is a storytelling project made in collaboration with a group of women who live in Newcastle’s West End.

Venue:
Discovery Museum, (Closed on all Bank Holidays) Blandford Square, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4JA
Date:
Jul 28th 2025 - Nov 10th 2025
Opening Times:
Sat-Sun 11:00 - 16:00 , Mon-Fri 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free