BALTIC’s Communities Programme aims to connect with groups and individuals of all ages and backgrounds living in Gateshead and across the North East, working together on creative projects which respond to the ideas and concerns of people and their neighbourhoods.
If you want to find out more about how we can work together please get in touch with BALTIC Producer (Communities) at annieb@balticmill.com or call 0191 440 4919.
We offer a range of activities and longer-term projects delivered onsite at BALTIC and offsite in community settings across the North East. With an ethos of mutual learning, exchange and care, we aim to find points of connection with people and groups, working collaboratively with professional artists on creative projects that have a civic purpose.
Activity at BALTIC
Our work onsite is informed by the practice of hospitality and aims to open up our spaces and create experiences which give people a sense of being welcomed, recognized and included.
Regular programmes include
7 Bridges
7 Bridges is an independent art group who meet at BALTIC every Monday, 10.30-12.30 to create, make and chat. Managed by group members, sometimes people work independently, using the time, space and materials to develop their own creativity and ideas, and sometimes they invite artists to deliver sessions and share new techniques.ESOL at BALTIC
ESOL at BALTIC offers practical advice, support and creative input to English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes in the North East who wish to visit BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.BALTIC Community Card
BALTIC’s Community Card is especially for the people and groups we are working with across Gateshead and the North East, giving individuals 15% off in BALTIC’s café and shop.
Sessions and events at BALTIC include
one-off community group artist workshops
Open Iftar at BALTIC
As part of Ramadan 2019, BALTIC partnered with Ramadan Tent Project to host an Open Iftar, a community event which aims to develop the knowledge, understanding and experience of Ramadan and fasting for all. Since 2013, the Open Iftar series has been inviting people from all walks of life, different faith backgrounds and none, to come together to break fast, share food and engage in inspiring conversations. Open Iftar bridges communities; it is a space in which our commonalities are highlighted, our differences celebrated and human connection is forged.
Activity offsite
Our work offsite is focused in particular neighbourhoods, using contemporary art practice to engage people and groups and explore issues that are important to them and their communities.
Recent projects include:
Art Lab
An ongoing holiday club in Birtley, which addresses food poverty through community lunches and artist-led activitiesDIY Birtley
Construction projects for young people aged 16-19 which build design and practical making skills through a series of community commissions.
