Orbis Community

@orbiscommunity

Orbis Community champions collaboration between creatives and communities North East England
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Weeks posts
Had a blast being part of Emerging Creative Voices in Creative Practice hosted by @macreativeprofessionalpractice at @orbiscommunity ! The qualities of craft that I have always valued, the forced slowness, attention to detail, human connection, are being increasingly utilised by brands and print media, shaping a new aesthetic direction that feels more real. As an antidote to digital saturation and abundance of perfect visuals, where people begin to question what is authentic and creativity can begin feeling a bit hollow, it is exciting to see a return to embraced imperfections, visible process and the human imprint that gives creativity its meaning 💗 well done to all involved 👏 it was a joy to see so much passion, creativity and insight throughout the evening! @sarahmary.gee @mandela.collective #northeastengland #gateshead #sustainablefashion #analogue #rozsikaparker
24 0
10 hours ago
Creative communities thrive when people come together. We were proud to be part of @thelateshows at Orbis Community this year, celebrating creativity, collaboration, heritage and culture across Newcastle and Gateshead in partnership with North East Museums. For this year’s “Made in Gateshead” printmaking workshops, I drew inspiration from the work and legacy of @bewicksociety Thomas Bewick, whose connection to the North East and approach to storytelling through print continues to influence artists and makers today. The workshops became a way to celebrate the region’s creative heritage through contemporary printmaking, encouraging people to engage directly with the process of making and leave with something they had created themselves. The evening brought together students from @gatesheadcollege @newcastlecollege @northumbriauni @newcastleuni alongside local artists, makers and creative businesses to showcase the incredible creative talent across the North East. @hakefoods the tastiest of tasty! Everyone was blown away with the amazing treats! New conversations, creative exchanges and shared experiences developed across the space, creating an environment that encouraged confidence, connection and collaboration between emerging creatives at an important stage in their journey. #thomasbewick @victoria.alice.oxley @northeast.creative.network @ben_applegarth @slowhandcreativestudio @hauntinglyhalloweaveuk @bernardquinn56 @mickwoottonprint @pauline.bcreative @ampersandinventions @ali.c.from.the.ne3 @latrine.lurka @northeastmuseums @markfergusonmp @vanegallery @vermin.vault @liaartattack @doodlesbysophie_ @maker_space_ncl
120 3
6 days ago
Something special happens when creative communities come together. For this year’s The Late Shows, Vane and Orbis Community played an important role in creating a space that brings together new and emerging artists alongside established practitioners from across the region. Vane continues to place real value on supporting artists at different stages of their careers, offering a platform where ideas, practices and voices can be shared collectively. This approach helps build an environment where creativity can be developed openly, and where artists can grow through connection, dialogue and shared experience. Across the evening, it was particularly noticeable how students from different universities and colleges naturally connected, collaborated and supported one another throughout the event. That shared energy and openness created a strong sense of exchange across disciplines and institutions. Special thanks to the architectural students from Newcastle College for the work they displayed, which contributed meaningfully to the exhibition and the wider conversation within the gallery space. The gallery became a space where creative work was not only presented but actively shared, discussed and shaped through participation. It reflected the importance of having accessible platforms that support both emerging talent and established practitioners, strengthening the wider creative community in the North East. Events like this remind us how vital it is to have spaces that champion collaboration and support artists to grow together. @northeast.creative.network @northeastmuseums @newcastleuni @newcastleuni @northumbriafineart @gatesheadcouncil @aceagrams #TheLateShows #MadeInGateshead #CreativeCommunity #Gateshead #Newcastle
116 3
6 days ago
Creative communities thrive when people come together. We were proud to be part of @thelateshows at Orbis Community this year, celebrating creativity, collaboration, heritage and culture across Newcastle and Gateshead in partnership with North East Museums. For this year’s “Made in Gateshead” printmaking workshops, I drew inspiration from the work and legacy of @bewicksociety Thomas Bewick, whose connection to the North East and approach to storytelling through print continues to influence artists and makers today. The workshops became a way to celebrate the region’s creative heritage through contemporary printmaking, encouraging people to engage directly with the process of making and leave with something they had created themselves. The evening brought together students from @gatesheadcollege @newcastlecollege @northumbriauni @newcastleuni alongside local artists, makers and creative businesses to showcase the incredible creative talent across the North East. New conversations, creative exchanges and shared experiences developed across the space, creating an environment that encouraged confidence, connection and collaboration between emerging creatives at an important stage in their journey. #thomasbewick @victoria.alice.oxley @northeast.creative.network @ben_applegarth @slowhandcreativestudio @hauntinglyhalloweaveuk @bernardquinn56 @mickwoottonprint @pauline.bcreative @ampersandinventions @ali.c.from.the.ne3 @northeastmuseums @markfergusonmp @vanegallery @vermin.vault @liaartattack @doodlesbysophie_ @maker_space_ncl
117 5
6 days ago
‘Made in Gateshead’ Gateshead Central Exchange Launch, April 2026 Gateshead Central Exchange is a public-facing window gallery in the town centre, curated by Vane, Orbis Community and the Northeast Creative Network. Set within a former bank building, it brings contemporary art into everyday life, making it visible and accessible to everyone who passes by. This launch celebrates ‘Made in Gateshead’, a collection of artwork created in Gateshead through local projects, workshops, pop-ups and independent practice. The title reflects the people, ideas and collaboration that shape the town, highlighting the creativity that already exists within the community. The idea began during a community spring clean organised by Victoria Oxley, where conversations with Mark Ferguson MP highlighted the importance of creating visible spaces for local people, students and emerging creatives. What started as a simple idea has grown into a permanent platform for community expression. Building on earlier pilot exhibitions by the Northeast Creative Network, the project shows the impact of making creativity part of everyday public space. It also creates real opportunities for students and emerging creatives to exhibit their work in a public setting, ensuring their ideas have a lasting presence and legacy. This is about opening doors, not gatekeeping. Creativity here is inclusive, and every voice matters, not just the polished or expected ones. As one passerby said during installation: “Aye, bout time I’ve seen something colourful… really canny that like!” A reminder that when creativity is visible, it can connect people, place and community. @vanegallery @vermin.vault @doodlesbysophie_ @pauline.bcreative @maker_space_ncl @markfergusonmp @victoria.alice.oxley @gatesheadcouncil @slowhandcreativestudio @hauntinglyhalloweaveuk @northeast.creative.network @ali.c.from.the.ne3 @bernardquinn56 @mickwoottonprint @gatesheadartandmedia @bewicksociety @ampersandinventions @gateshead_live @gatesheadcreativecrawl @northeast_ca #MadeInGateshead #Gateshead #PublicArt #CreativeCommunities #OrbisCommunity AccessForAll
210 13
16 days ago
💚🤎🧡🩶💙 MAKE IT GATESHEAD 🩷💙🤎❤️💚🩶🧡🩵💛🤍 Wow… what an incredible few days it’s been 💫 Gateshead truly came alive Make It Gateshead 2026, and I’m honestly blown away by the energy, creativity, and connection that filled the town centre. From families exploring the trail together, to students mixing with new visitors, to local artists, businesses, and volunteers bringing everything to life, this is exactly what community should feel like. There was something really special about seeing so many different people come together, sharing smiles, conversations, and creativity. Familiar places felt brand new again, and the town centre became a space full of discovery, joy, and imagination 🐣✨ The Easter trail, workshops, and activities didn’t just entertain, they connected people. Watching children proudly show their designs, friends exploring the trail together, and visitors experiencing Gateshead in a fresh way, it was something we should be so proud of. A huge thank you to everyone who took part, supported, collaborated, and showed up with such positivity. You made this what it was 💚 This is the side of Gateshead we need more of, vibrant, welcoming, creative, and full of community spirit. Let’s keep building on this. Let’s do more like this! Supported by @gatesheadcouncil @northeast_ca @victoria.alice.oxley @orbiscommuinty @gatesheadcreativecrawl 
Delivered by Orbis Community with our brilliant artists, venues & volunteers 💚 @gateshead_live @icelandfoods @vanegallery @maker_space_ncl @green_heart_collective @slowhandcreativestudio @trinitysqgh @thewardrobegateshead @vermin.vault @newcastlebuildingsociety @_zoe.fi @sophiesttewartt @ymcagatesheadcharityshop @stoswaldsretail
81 1
1 month ago
💚🤎🧡🩶💙MAKE IT GATESHEAD 🩷💙🤎❤️💚🩶🧡🩵💛🤍 Gateshead Creative Crawl Easter Quest 2026 Follow a trail of 8 Cinderella-themed Easter boxes hidden across Gateshead town centre, running from today to Easter Sunday 5 April Gateshead Creative Crawl Easter Quest invites you to explore familiar places in new ways! This free, all-ages event celebrates Gateshead’s community spirit, creating a playful shared experience across Gateshead town centre. We are teaming up with Newcastle Building Society to bring you a fantastic competition where you can colour in and design your own Easter egg for the chance to win an awesome prize. Free workshops will take place at Orbis Community West Street from 11am to 3pm on Good Friday and Easter Saturday, Please note that bank holidays the boxes may move to nearby spaces due to opening hours. Visit the website for the most up to date information Supported by @gatesheadcouncil @northeast_ca @victoria.alice.oxley @orbiscommuinty @gatesheadcreativecrawl 
Delivered by Orbis Community with our brilliant artists, venues & volunteers 💚 @gateshead_live @icelandfoods @vanegallery @maker_space_ncl @green_heart_collective @slowhandcreativestudio @trinitysqgh @thewardrobegateshead @vermin.vault @newcastlebuildingsociety @_zoe.fi @sophiesttewartt @ymcagatesheadcharityshop @stoswaldsretail @mickwoottonprint
34 0
1 month ago
What a result!!! 💙🤎💚🩶❤️🧡🩵🤍🖤💛 @gatesheadartandmedia @gatesheadcouncil @victoria.alice.oxley We had the absolute pleasure of working with Gateshead College, supported by the amazing Victoria Oxley 🙌✨ Second year Extended Diploma specialisms came together for #HowToHustle, taking their ideas from #creation to #finalproduct while exploring powerful themes of Dark Nights and allyship. Watching you bring your projects to life at @orbiscommunity has been incredible 💡🔥 Following our session, the DARK NIGHTS micro market launched over the last few days at Baltic Campus… and WOW, what a result!!! 🖤 So proud of every single one of you. Your creativity, energy, and courage to share your voices has been inspiring. This is just the beginning 🚀 @gatesheadartandmedia #HowToHustle #DarkNights Allyship CreativeCommunity OrbisCommunity StudentSuccess ProudMoment @mickwoottonprint @northeast.creative.network @slowhandcreativestudio @gatesheadcreativecrawl @maker_space_ncl
68 3
1 month ago
EDIT: Community in Conversations 🏳️‍⚧️ We’re putting the T in Community for 2026!🫶 It was amazing to see a true safe space in action at @orbiscommunity this week. People coming from different communities who shared similar values and interests. Thank you to everyone who attended and was involved! That just made the night so special. If anyone has any ideas for future events or knows any organisations you think we should have a chat with about collaborating, let us know down below. Thanks, The Dolls 💕 #Gateshead #Newcastle #Dollhaus #Safespace #trans
254 4
1 month ago
Gateshead Central Exchange West Street window community gallery. At @gatesheadartandmedia @gatesheadcollege the Celebrating Difference project has been running for over a decade, giving students the opportunity to explore themes of equality, diversity, and inclusion through creative practice. This year’s exhibition is presented in collaboration with Orbis Community and showcases selected work from Year 1 students. The project brings together a cross-disciplinary exploration of identity, culture, and community. While students from Fashion, Interiors, and Photography contributed to the wider programme, the work presented here focuses on Fine Art and Digital Art. Our @maker_space_ncl played an important role in the development of the work, supporting students in creating laser-cut stamps that expanded their creative processes and outcomes. We also worked with our @northeast.creative.network to deliver a printmaking workshop led by @mickwoottonprint master printmaker, giving students the opportunity to learn new techniques and approaches to image-making. In Monsters and Mythology, Digital Art students explored folklore from cultures around the world, reinterpreting traditional myths and creatures to celebrate global heritage and storytelling. Fine Art students approached the theme through portraiture, creating expressive works that represent charities, support networks, and activist organisations that advocate for diversity and positive change within our communities. Together, these works reflect the richness of cultural identity and highlight the power of art to promote inclusion, representation, and understanding. @gatesheadcouncil @shapegateshead @victoria.alice.oxley #CelebratingDifference #GatesheadCollege #StudentArt #Inclusion #DiversityInArt
77 2
1 month ago
A little behind the scenes of For The Girls 💜 Two days before the event, our signage order was suddenly cancelled. With the event happening on Sunday, we were honestly scrambling. Then on Saturday night, we connected with @orbiscommunity through Leila from @northernroots_ncl and Jonpaul stepped in to help. What started as a last-minute fix turned into one of the most loved parts of the event. Women spent the day writing messages, affirmations and little notes on the board. A beautiful reminder that community always shows up when it matters. Huge thank you to @orbiscommunity through @northernroots_ncl for coming through for us ✨ Spot your name on the board? 👀 #ForTheGirls #SippAfricaUK #NewcastleEvents #NewcastleCreatives #northeastcreatives ThingsToDoNewcastle explorepage newcastleevents
65 19
2 months ago
Inspired by our awesome creatives and the amazing work happening around International Women’s Day, I wanted to show some support for this brilliant event today. With the help of some talented students from @northeast.creative.network we created some laser-cut promo pieces to help celebrate and contribute something creative to the day🤍🖤❤️🧡🩵💛🤎💙🩶🩷💚 @slowhandcreativestudio thanks for supporting the material’s needed @maker_space_ncl 🥳 and @northernroots_ncl @sippafricauk “Today marks International Women’s Day (@international_womens_day_2026 ) and @pilgrimncl we have a very special ladies day event organised by our friends & partners at @northernroots_ncl and @sippafricauk MALL LADIES WELCOME - round-up the girls! Launching at 3pm and running until 10pm there’s a great lineup of celebrations: Live performances from @mcxxne @itschloecastro @shaneen_angeles @neecylabreeze DJs Miss Bundz (@missbundz ), DJ DEBBZ, and @heavenandhelen , Games, prizes, & dancing › Karaoke Last release of tickets is available here: /e/ntqg3v29/for-the-girls OR pay on the door tomorrow (£15) PILGRIM is proud to be a @shoutupuk venue and sanctuary for all music lovers. #pilgrimncl @newcastlene1 @eventsguidencl @newcastleupontynedotcom @mykindoftoon @whatsoninthenortheast @whatsoninthene sippafricauk We are so excited for the celebration of women this year!
31 3
2 months ago