The Maltings was commissioned by Culture Bridge North East to deliver a high quality, artist-led, creative engagement programme for pupils and teachers in North Northumberland with a focus on well-being. 

Following the impact of Covid-19, the programme aimed to encourage the participation of local schools in creative learning activities and the engagement of teachers and artists in high quality cultural opportunities. The programme covered three strands: The Mixed Up programme with Early Years pupils in First Schools, the Quilts programme working with Years 5 to 8 and artist development CPD sessions in Working with Early Years. 

Starcatchers and Imaginate – Mixed Up, a production with Edinburgh based artist Katy Wilson aimed at the youngest pupils and created during lockdown to support their wellbeing.  

The second programme involved older pupils taking inspiration from the new exhibition Quilts: Resurgence at The Maltings’ Granary Gallery which explored the revival of quilt making. Pupils visited the exhibition to take part in quilt making workshops, led by textile facilitator, Pat Ashton-Smith. The pupils then created their own stitched textiles, infused with contemporary themes. 

The programme worked with 522 pupils from nursery to Year 8 across 11 North Northumberland schools between September 2021 and March 2022. 

The project was led by the Maltings and Culture Bridge North East, funded by Department of Education and Arts Council England and supported by Northumberland Arts Development. 

Watch the film that documents the creative engagement programme here.