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The Crack Magazine

Art

The Light of Days Past: Photography in Berwick 1840-1980

This major exhibition features over 100 images of Berwick and is a journey of exploration into how the town and its people have been captured by the changing photographer’s lens over the past 150 years

Venue:
Granary Gallery, Dewar’s Lane, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1HJ
Date:
Oct 25th 2025 - Feb 22nd 2026
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Lotte Dijkstra: Urban Forest Stories

An exhibition showing how storytelling can foster a sense of belonging in the urban forest, with stories and research from along the Tyne Derwent Way. The exhibition displays Dijkstra’s graduation work, co-created with schoolchildren and other local people, project partners from the Tyne Derwent Way, international researchers and students, and other-than-human beings in and around Gateshead Riverside Park.

Venue:
Farrell Centre, The Sir Terry Farrell Building, Eldon Place, Newcastle, NE1 7RD
Date:
Oct 15th 2025 - Jan 30th 2026
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

For All At Last Return

This new group exhibition initiated by Baltic will explore marine ecosystems, the deep sea, coral reefs, ocean currents, intertidal and hypoxic zones, and how human activities affect marine life. Inspired in part by Baltic’s close proximity to the sea, situated on a tidal river eight miles from the mouth of the Tyne, and by the writings of marine biologist Rachel Carson, the exhibition will reflect on life below water and consider our relationship with the community of organisms and aquatic life that inhabit ocean environments.

Venue:
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 3BA
Date:
Nov 8th 2025 - May 3rd 2026
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 10:00 - 18:00
Price:
Free

Amber: Documenting Place

A display of photographs and films from the Amber Film & Photography Collective. Founded in 1968, the Amber Film & Photography Collective is renowned for their work documenting the full spectrum of experience in the North East’s working class and industrial communities. With images from the AmberSide Collection, and select films from Amber, Documenting Place looks at how locations can be captured through a focus on the people and communities who live there.

Venue:
Farrell Centre, The Sir Terry Farrell Building, Eldon Place, Newcastle, NE1 7RD
Date:
Oct 20th 2025 - Dec 19th 2025
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Saodat Ismailova

Saodat Ismailova is a filmmaker and artist who came of age in the post-Soviet era Uzbekistan. Working between Paris and Tashkent she interweaves rituals, myths and dreams within the tapestry of everyday life. Her films investigate the historically complex and layered culture of Central Asia. Frequently based around oral stories in which women are the lead protagonists, and exploring systems of knowledge suppressed by globalised modernity, these consciousness expanding works hover between visible and invisible worlds.

Venue:
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 3BA
Date:
Nov 8th 2025 - May 3rd 2026
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 10:00 - 18:00
Price:
Free

Spotlight: Washington Open Exhibition 2025

Washington Open Exhibition shines a spotlight on the talented artists living and working in the region. An open call invited applicants to creatively respond to the theme of ‘Our Freedom: Then + Now’. Taking inspiration from Arts Centre Washington’s involvement in ‘Our Freedom: Then & Now’ a national project reflecting what freedom means to local people and their communities, following the 80th anniversary of VE/VJ Day.

Venue:
Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Lane, Fatfield, Washington, NE38 8AB
Date:
Nov 12th 2025 - Dec 20th 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

Source to Sea: A Journey Along the River Tyne

In May 2025 a group of young dads, supported by charity North East Young Dads & Lads, set out on an ambitious 89-mile bike ride with the aim of learning about the water quality of their local river. With help from Tyne Rivers Trust, they tested water samples along the full length of the Tyne, from its North source at Deadwater, Kielder Forest, to the river mouth at North Shields. More than just a physical challenge, the journey became a creative and emotional expedition with environmental care at its core. The group collaborated with photographic artist and researcher Michele Allen through a series of workshops before, during and after the ride, to explore how they could record their observations and findings creatively. This exhibition is the culmination of their work together. 

Venue:
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 3BA
Date:
Oct 10th 2025 - Jan 4th 2026
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 10:00 - 18:00
Price:
Free

Qi Fang Colbert Pop-up Shop

Explore Qi Fang Colbert’s curated collection of specially crafted pieces: hand-built and thrown ceramics, limited edition linocut prints, and original collage paintings. Drawing inspiration from Phenomenology, Taoism, Early Renaissance art, and Surrealism, the artist weaves original narratives across both her three-dimensional and two-dimensional works. These pieces spring from her imagination and lived experiences, exploring humanity's delicate coexistence with the natural world - how we share environments, depend on the same resources, and navigate feminist themes within these relationships.

Venue:
BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead Quays, Gateshead, NE8 3BA
Date:
Oct 25th 2025 - Mar 29th 2026
Opening Times:
Sun and Wed-Sat 10:00 - 18:00
Price:
Free

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Listening to the Voices of the Rivers

An exhibition and community art program that explores the vital role rivers play in sustaining communities and ecosystems. Drawing on Amazonian Indigenous philosophies and practices, the exhibition connects to initiatives in the North East of England on healthy rivers and rainforest curricula, addressing ecological sustainability, Indigenous knowledge, and community participation.

Venue:
Newcastle Contemporary Art, High Bridge Works, 31-39 High Bridge, Newcastle upon-Tyne, NE1 1EW
Date:
Oct 30th 2025 - Nov 22nd 2025
Opening Times:
Thu-Sat 12:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

By The Lido Wall

Kitty McKay is a contemporary artist celebrated for her playful, innovative use of Plasticine. Her work explores nostalgia, community and storytelling, often reflecting themes of heritage and place. By The Lido Wall is Kitty’s most ambitious project to date, paying tribute to William Harbutt, the North Shields-born inventor of Plasticine. The installation transforms Globe Gallery into a reimagined Plasticine replica of the long-lost Hawkeys Lane pool — once a much-loved community hub.

Venue:
The Globe Gallery, 97 Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1NA
Date:
Oct 24th 2025 - Dec 19th 2025
Opening Times:
Thu-Sat 11:00 - 17:00 , Sun 12:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

The Bugle Launch Party

The launch of a new comic 'The Bugle', accompanied by an exhibition of artwork. The Bugle is the brainchild of 2 artists from Consett - John Bagnall, who is also Parish Priest at Consett St. Patrick's Catholic Church, and Phil Bartle. The comic is set in the imaginary northern town of Slackdale and features a wide range of colourful and humorous characters.

Venue:
Consett Heart Arts and Heritage Centre, John Street, Consett, County Durham, DH85AS
Date:
Nov 14th 2025 - Nov 22nd 2025
Opening Times:
14th - 22nd Nov 2025 TBC
Price:
Free

Michael Disley: Quarry

Stonemason, draftsman, sculptor, public artist and painter Michael Disley culminates over 40 years experience for this his first formal exhibition of sculptures and paintings. With a foundation in heritage masonry skills, Michael’s career has embraced new ways of working with ancient stones. From his childlike whimsical figures to classically formal trees, his clean graphic paintings to his intricate carvings, Michael's physical and philosophical connection to his work speaks to a practice of enduring observation and craftsmanship and a limitless pursuit for the truth in the human experience.

Venue:
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddard Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AN
Date:
Nov 14th 2025 - Feb 28th 2026
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Fusion Textile Artists

An exhibition of new work by this flourishing Durham-based creative textile group. Many of the pieces are for sale.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Nov 15th 2025 - Jan 25th 2026
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
£10/under 18s £6/under 5s Free

Hartlepool Art Clubs 78th Annual Exhibition

A showcase of the imagination and skills that have established Hartlepool Art Club’s reputation as one of the leading art societies in the North of England. Selected paintings are available to purchase.

Venue:
Hartlepool Art Gallery, The Tourist Information Centre, Church Square, Hartlepool, TS24 7EQ
Date:
Nov 15th 2025 - Jan 17th 2026
Opening Times:
Tue-Sat 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Bright and Beautiful

The "Winter" exhibition heralds the approaching season, blending art that captures winter’s promise and anticipation. Through evocative works, visitors experience the subtle transition from autumn to winter—frosty landscapes, cosy scenes, and icy dreams.

Venue:
EDAN Gallery, The Art Block, 74 Church Street, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7HF
Date:
Nov 18th 2025 - Dec 20th 2025
Opening Times:
Tue-Fri 11:00 - 15:00 , Sat 10:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

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Songs of Solidarity and Strength

An exhibition of original songs and animation about life in the community of Shieldfield. Songs of Solidarity and Strength was co-created by Bronwen Davies-Jones, Gareth Davies-Jones, Lily Mae Kroese, and people who live, work and play in Shieldfield.

Venue:
Shieldfield Art Works, Formerly The Holy Biscuit, Opposite The Biscuit Factory, 1 Clarence Street, Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1YH
Date:
Nov 18th 2025 - Dec 11th 2025
Opening Times:
Tue-Thu 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Norma Goff – Solo Exhibition

A selling exhibition of new work by Norma Goff, a textile artist from the north east.

Venue:
Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 9RH
Date:
Nov 22nd 2025 - Jan 18th 2026
Opening Times:
Mon-Sat 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
£10/under 18s £6/under 5s Free

Nightfall ’25

Families and friends, come together this winter to experience the extraordinary power of light. Nightfall returns with a spectacular trail of interactive light artworks, live music, storytelling, performance, and magical moments – designed to transform, connect and inspire. This year, prepare to be amazed as this family friendly event takes over Stewart Park for three evenings; discover tiny rabbits dancing across the ground, towering flowers blooming above your head, and glowing installations that bring the park to life after dark. Wander through a luminous world where shadows stretch, lights soar, and wonder grows larger with every step!

Venue:
Stewart Park, Ladgate Lane, Marton, Middlesbrough, TS7 8AT
Date:
Nov 28th 2025 - Nov 30th 2025
Opening Times:
28th - 30th Nov 2025 16:00 - 23:00
Price:
£17.50/children £12.50/under 2s Free

Beatrice Forshall

Beatrice Forshall is a printmaker whose dry-point engravings draw upon the natural world, and particularly conservation. Having worked with a host of frontline conservation organisations over her career, Beatrice's passion for ecology is reflected in her process and materials. A long creative process featuring engraving, printing and finishing by hand, results in refined pieces that capture the beauty and the fragility of wildlife she advocates for.

Venue:
The Biscuit Factory, 16 Stoddard Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AN
Date:
Nov 29th 2025 - Feb 28th 2026
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Lucky devil tattoo studio presents: Timeless Together

Timeless together is an exhibition made to raise awareness of bowel cancer through art. It will showcase a collection of paintings and art from tattoo artists and friends from around the UK and the world who have kindly donated these paintings to help raise money. This exhibition shows and represents how amazing the tattoo community can be and how quickly they can come together and support each other. Each painting will be for sale by auction through our instagram page in the days prior and following the event. The winning bid will be announced exactly a week after the event ends. Preview 5th Dec, 5pm-9pm.

Venue:
Vane, 65 High St, Gateshead, NE8 2AP
Date:
Dec 6th 2025 - Dec 13th 2025
Opening Times:
Wed-Sat 12:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

Clay Lyrical - Fired in Dreams, Sculpting the Soul of Our Town

Supported by Borderland, local potters, Claude Frere-Smith, Louis Frere-Smith and Mia Williamson, led pottery workshops for the local community. This short exhibition offers a wonderful glimpse into both their and our inner creativity, with emotions brought to life through clay.

Venue:
Redcar Contemporary Art Gallery, 13 West Terrace, Redcar, TS10 1DS
Date:
Dec 8th 2025 - Dec 14th 2025
Opening Times:
Wed-Sat 11:00 - 16:00
Price:
Free

Dean Raymond Gooch: Bottoms

Bottoms is the first UK solo exhibition by Sunderland born and based artist-photographer, printmaker and researcher Dean Raymond Gooch (b. 1998). It showcases a new series of large photographic works, screenprints and risograph prints exploring gay identity, communities and fetish through striking imagery drawing on legacies of pop art, advertising and fashion photography. The photographs and prints are both detailed and abstracted, taking personal cues to highlight and challenge binaries and stereotypical gay imagery such as BDSM, tight worn jeans, colour coded hankies and black work boots.

Venue:
Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, c/o National Glass Centre, Liberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL
Date:
Jan 31st 2026 - May 26th 2026
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free

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Smoke and Mirrors: Landscapes from the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art Collection

Smoke and Mirrors draws on artworks from Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art’s collection in a group show exploring contemporary landscapes through photography, painting, sculpture, film, digitally generated artwork and drawing. The exhibition features artwork by 15 contemporary artists and photographers who challenge our understanding of landscape through digitally rendered and manipulated imagery, artificial immersive environments and imaginative fictional worlds.

Venue:
Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, c/o National Glass Centre, Liberty Way, Sunderland, SR6 0GL
Date:
Jan 31st 2026 - May 26th 2026
Opening Times:
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Price:
Free