British artist Matthew Rosier chosen as the first commission of the Living Barracks Project.

British artist Matthew Rosier (b.1990) will bring his signature community-led installation artwork to Berwick in 2025 when he transforms the historic barracks into a living parade.  

Berwick Parade will utilise giant-scale projections on three walls of Berwick Barracks as members of the town’s diverse community march around the square in an immersive experience.   

This spectacular view will be available and free to all between Friday 28 February – Sunday 2 March 2025.  Tickets are FREE and will be available soon.

The creative installation marks the first commission of The Living Barracks project, which aims to restore and renew the historic site that has played a pivotal role in the town’s social and cultural life for centuries.  

Designed by the renowned architect Nicholas Hawksmoor, and now home to The King’s Own Scottish Borderers (KOSB) since 1881, the immense fortified walls stand as a testament to the turbulent history of the Anglo-Scottish Borders and has played its part in Jacobite risings and Napoleonic Wars. 

Now, the Parade Ground will become a site that celebrates the town’s contemporary culture and creates a connection where the townspeople and the iconic building are physically entwined.  

Rosier will be supported by the Living Barracks Cultural Development Programme that invites artists for residencies to explore the site’s environment and benefit from the resources on offer, such as the Berwick Archive.  

Berwick Parade has been commissioned by The Maltings (Berwick) Trust on behalf of Create Berwick, a 5-year initiative supported by North East Combined Authority and Northumberland County Council that will bolster the town as a cultural destination through investment in arts, creative businesses and culture. Matthew was chosen by a panel of representatives from The Maltings (Berwick) Trust, English Heritage, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, Berwick Record Office and Create Berwick.

Inspired by the parades and celebrations of Berwick, Rosier will be extending an open invitation to various Berwick communities with opportunities to be filmed for the walking parade of “giants” that will be shown this spring. With choreography that echoes the military and cultural heritage of the site and its peoples, the procession will include Berwickers of all ages walking, dancing, skipping, hiking, and wheeling as they wish.  

The final result will be a free weekend event that cannot be missed, the first intervention on a long and exciting journey that will make the Barracks a thriving cultural hub and visitor destination. With live performances from the KOSB Pipe Band, Berwick Parade will be a unique way to experience the past, present and future of Berwick Barracks and the community it serves.  

Andrea Oliver, Project Officer for Create Berwick, Northumberland County Council, said: “Matthew Rosier is the perfect choice for Create Berwick’s first major commission. His innovative approach to light and space will bring an exciting new dimension to the Barracks.  Berwick Parade aligns perfectly with what Create Berwick is all about, celebrating local heritage through contemporary, creative expression.”  

James Lowther, Head of Visual Arts at The Maltings said: “We are delighted to partner with Create Berwick to bring Matthew Rosier to Berwick, marking the first residency and commission through the Living Barracks’ Cultural Development Programme. Matthew’s approach, working with community participants, and film, is a perfect way for us to demonstrate that the local community in Berwick are at the heart of the Living Barracks development plans. We cannot wait to see the results of Matthew’s work in Berwick over the next months and showcased at the Barracks at the end of February.”

BERWICK SHINES INFORMATION SESSIONS

On Thursday, 21 November, we will be holding information sessions at The Maltings where you will have the opportunity to meet Matthew and find out how you can be part of Berwick Parade. Find out more here.

Berwick Parade has been commissioned by The Maltings (Berwick) Trust on behalf of CCZ Create Berwick. It is funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority and Northumberland County Council and through The Cultural Development Fund, a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) fund administered by Arts Council England.

Look out for more information about how you can get involved in Berwick Parade by emailing us at berwickshines@maltingsberwick.co.uk or follow us on social media @berwickshines