Borderlands Arts & Culture

Some lovely effects in the cyanolumen. I'll let it dry and then take a scan because, having not used a fixing solution, I want to capture what might turn out to be a very fleeting image. There are still spaces on a cyanotype workshop I'm facilitating on Monday in Middlesbrough. Places for Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland residents are being funded by @borderlands_cpp and the project has been organised by Nicky @ayrflowerpatchcic . The booking link is on The Flower Patch's page

Our resident crafting group the WhichCraft? Ladies are an inspiration. They meet every Wednesday from 11 - 1 in the gallery to craft, chat and make friends. This beautiful film by @laura_degnan commissioned by @borderlands_cpp is a chance for some of the members to talk about the difference it has made to them, including working with artist @edekthompson , @caseyorrphoto and @claylyrical_ The group always welcomes new members and is completely free. Do pop by the gallery if you would like more information about joining or come along on a Wednesday, grab a cup of tea, have a seat and get crafting. @aceagrams @redcar.cleveland #LetsCreate #AMakingPlace #Redcar4Culture

Light as a form of remembrance: Part of the Creative End of Life Project from @borderlands_cpp was to deliver a workshop at their Unconference, giving participants a creative outlet for their grief and memories. It was really special see how people decorated their lanterns to commemorate their loved ones and hear their stories. #light #remembrance #endoflife #wildvision

for the last few months i have had the pleasure of being a project assistant for the first verse project which got south teesside ready for the first poet laureate! 💫 it was such a fun experience & i even had one of my lil poems from the love & nature workshop hosted by @writeyourselfwellsocial in the anthology !!! 🍀 #writersofinstagram #poetry #borderlands #projectassistant #poetryanthology

🔊 Sound. Art. Play. 💥 Join us at Sonic Arts Week 2026 for family-friendly interactive events on Saturday 27 June and Saturday 4 July. At the heart of this year’s festival is Encounters, a strand of highly engaging street performance and participatory theatre. Designed to be playful, accessible, and surprising, Encounters invites audiences of all ages to experience sound art beyond traditional venues; transforming streets, public spaces, and community settings into sites of sonic wonderment. What can you expect? DJs performing through a wheelie bin sound system, an electromagnetic grand piano, an audio assault buggy where sound meets science and so much more. New for 2026, the Maker Hub is a drop-in space for all ages and abilities to take part in exciting workshops delivered by the artists and creatives working across the festival. Build your own instruments, explore sound-making, and get creative alongside the artists. 🔊 Family-friendly interactive days: Saturday 27 June & Saturday 4 July 📆 SAW Dates: 25 June - 5 July 🔗 Find out more about this year’s festival via the link in bio. #ComeJoinTheRacket #SAW26 #SoundArtPlay

🌈 HAPPY ROOMS IS BACK! 🌈 And this summer, it’s bigger, brighter and bursting with even more joy 💥✨ From Monday 27 July - Sunday 30 August, we’re transforming Middlesbrough Town into a colourful world of imagination with 12 immersive, artist-designed rooms made for families to explore, play, laugh and make memories together. Happy Rooms is all about colour, creativity and unexpected surprises around every corner. Perfect for the summer holidays ☀️ After bringing joy to more than 15,000 visitors in 2024, our beloved Happy Rooms experience returns to delight kids (and grown-ups!) of all ages. 📣 Tickets go on sale FRIDAY! 📣 🎟 Peak times: Adults £8.50 & Children £6.50 🎟 Off peak times: Adults £6.50 & Children £4.50 👨‍👩 Family ticket bundles available 😁Children aged 2 and under go FREE – but need a ticket Open daily: 🕤 9.30am–5pm ⏰ Timed entry every 15 minutes (last entry 3.30pm) Get ready to step inside a world where happiness lives in every room ❤️

✨ CALL FOR ARTISTS: SHINE Emerging Light Artist Programme 2026 ✨ Stellar Creates are proud to be project managing this year’s @lutnorth SHINE Emerging Light Artist Programme; LUTN are on the lookout for bold, brilliant creatives ready to light up the North. This is your chance to develop an ambitious new light-based artwork and see it tour some of the most iconic Northern Light festivals. This isn’t just a commission; it’s a launchpad. Think bigger, go brighter and transform your practice. You’ll develop work at scale, gain hands-on experience in outdoor festival contexts, and build your profile within the growing light art sector. 💡 What’s on offer: • Commission fee: up to £15,000 (inclusive of fees & fabrication) • Touring support: up to £2,500 (travel & attendance) • Professional development: mentoring, technical support & production guidance 🌍 If successful your work may tour to: Lightpool Blackpool, Light Night Leeds, Light Up Lancaster, Barnsley Bright Nights, Light Night Wigan, Lightwaves Salford & Illuminate Oldham We’re looking for adaptable, engaging ideas that can shine across diverse public spaces. 📅 Deadline: 11 May, 9am 👉 Apply now via link in bio. LUTN is funded using public funds from @aceagrams

“Misunderstood Borough” written during my residency with @borderlands_cpp WITH and FOR the communities in Middlesbrough. As always @imelda_says @amjid7 @aboharoonzainab @2bmiddlesbrough it was a pleasure working with you all. 🫶🏽

Drawn to the Boro is a large-scale portrait project celebrating the stories of migration that shaped Middlesbrough. Each panel — two metres tall — brings a individual story into focus through painted likeness and layered narrative pattern. This is where it begins. Follow to stay updated on the project Supported by Borderlands Creative People and Places and Arts Council England.

✨ CALL FOR ARTISTS: SHINE Emerging Light Artist Programme 2026 ✨ Stellar Creates are proud to be project managing this year’s @lutnorth SHINE Emerging Light Artist Programme; LUTN are on the lookout for bold, brilliant creatives ready to light up the North. This is your chance to develop an ambitious new light-based artwork and see it tour some of the most iconic Northern Light festivals. This isn’t just a commission; it’s a launchpad. Think bigger, go brighter and transform your practice. You’ll develop work at scale, gain hands-on experience in outdoor festival contexts, and build your profile within the growing light art sector. 💡 What’s on offer: • Commission fee: up to £15,000 (inclusive of fees & fabrication) • Touring support: up to £2,500 (travel & attendance) • Professional development: mentoring, technical support & production guidance 🌍 If successful your work may tour to: Lightpool Blackpool, Light Night Leeds, Light Up Lancaster, Barnsley Bright Nights, Light Night Wigan, Lightwaves Salford & Illuminate Oldham We’re looking for adaptable, engaging ideas that can shine across diverse public spaces. 📅 Deadline: 11 May, 9am 👉 Apply now via link in bio. LUTN is funded using public funds from @aceagrams

A look back at a powerful exhibition this weekend. These moments capture more than just images - they capture identity, heritage, and the voices of a new generation. From the detail in every braid, to the meaning behind every style, our young people brought something special to life. They didn’t just showcase hair… they told stories. They honoured culture. They created space for understanding and pride. We are incredibly proud of our Creative Youth Leadership Programme - this was their vision, their work, and their impact. Thank you to everyone who came, supported, and engaged with the exhibition. The energy, the conversations, and the love in the room did not go unnoticed. 📍 The exhibition is now available to view at the Taste of Africa unit — so if you missed it, you can still experience it. Because our hair has never just been hair… It has always been our crown. 👑

What an incredible day. Today’s exhibition was more than just an event - it was a powerful celebration of identity, culture, and creativity. From the stories told, to the conversations shared, the room was filled with pride, reflection, and connection. A huge well done to our Creative Youth Leadership Programme 👏🏾 The level of thought, detail, and creativity put into this exhibition was inspiring. You didn’t just create artwork … you told stories, you honoured heritage, and you educated the community. To everyone who came through to support, engage, and experience the exhibition - thank you. Your presence meant everything and truly brought the space to life. And to all our partners Damilola Ayeni, Faturoti Ayodeji (Zebra Studios), Olubukola Bridget Egbaiyelo (Heritage Fashion house) and Martins Ushie (Afrokings Barbershop)and supporters who helped make this possible - we appreciate you. This is what community looks like. 📍 The exhibition will now remain on display at the Taste of Africa unit so if you missed it today, you still have the chance to experience it. This is just the beginning. Because when young people are given a platform… they don’t just create, they lead. 👑 @borderlands_cpp