North Shields to host first-ever Open Quay creative weekend this September
North Shields will celebrate its first ever Open Quay weekend this September celebrating the town’s vibrant creative scene.
The celebratory weekend invites locals to step inside the studios, workshops and creative spaces that are shaping the town's cultural future.
For one special weekend, artists, makers, photographers, designers, printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists and community organisations will open their doors free of charge, offering a rare chance to explore the creative spaces usually hidden from public view.
From the Fish Quay to Howard Street, Northumberland Street to Nile Street, visitors can follow their own trail through more than 20 venues, meet over 40 artists in their studios, watch live demonstrations, take part in workshops and enjoy exhibitions.
Open Quay celebrates a town with creativity woven into its history.
From shipbuilding and fishing to contemporary art, design and making, North Shields has always been a place where people create, innovate and tell stories.
Today, a new generation of artists, independent businesses and cultural organisations is building on that legacy, transforming historic buildings, bringing empty spaces back to life and creating opportunities for people of all ages to experience creativity first hand.
Families can enjoy hands on activities, including LEGO, pottery, heritage crafts like basket weaving, children's play sessions, printmaking and animation.
Visitors can explore working artist studios, discover stained glass, sculpture, painting, ceramics, photography, textiles, public art, illustration, vinyl record pressing and much more.
The weekend also highlights the role creativity plays in wellbeing and community, with opportunities to meet organisations using art to support mental health, recovery, parenthood, inclusion and connection.
Taking place across Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27 September, the event is supported by North Shields Cultural Quarter with funding from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority.
Charlie Gray, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development at North Tyneside Council, said: “Open Quay is a celebration of the creativity that runs right through North Shields.
“Our artists, makers and cultural organisations are breathing new life into historic buildings, opening up new opportunities and helping to shape a really exciting future for the town."