Studios, workshops and creative spaces across North Shields will throw open their doors later this month for the town’s first Open Quay weekend.
More than 20 venues will take part on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, giving visitors the chance to meet more than 40 artists and makers and explore some of the places where the town’s creative work happens.
The free weekend stretches from the Fish Quay to Howard Street, Northumberland Street and Nile Street, with visitors encouraged to make their own trail between participating venues.
Along the way there will be working artist studios to explore, exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops covering everything from ceramics, photography and textiles to sculpture, stained glass, illustration and vinyl record pressing.
Among the many spaces opening up will be Sum Place on Howard Street, where visitors can see how large-scale public art commissions are made, while independent LEGO artist Steve Mayes of Brick This will offer a look around his studio – with loose LEGO on hand for anyone who fancies putting their own building skills to the test.
Tynemouth Photographic Society will host exhibitions of contemporary work and images from its local history archive, while graphic designer and mural artist Bobby Colvin of Sickstyles Print and Designs will invite visitors into his Howard Street studio.
Down on the Fish Quay, The Loading Bay at Salt Market Social will bring together a collection of local artists across the weekend, including illustrator and zine-maker Britt Coxon, painter Susan Thompson and stuARTgeddit, who is asking visitors to bring along old family or North Shields photographs which could become the starting point for future paintings.
Meanwhile, One Three One, a former derelict building on Bedford Street now home to artists, makers and creative businesses, will open up its studios, including those of artist and designer Ronan Devlin and North Shields painter Lily Senner.
There are also organisations taking part to showcase how creativity is being used to support mental health, recovery, parenthood, inclusion and community connections.
The event is supported by North Shields Cultural Quarter with funding from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Open Quay runs from 11am to 4pm on both days, although individual venue times may vary. Visit the website for full programme, venue map and accessibility information.