Make change happen on the Meadow Well Estate in North Shields.
Make It Happen Playful Pavements is about enabling people who live on the Meadow Well estate in North Shields and local artists the knowledge, skills and experience in arts and events production that can help make change happen.
There are two ways to get involved:
Make it Happen is a tried and tested Helix Arts’ programme to build community capacity and enable people to use creativity to help make the changes they need live.
It was first established in 2015 and has been running every year since with continual improvements.
It is distinct and is recognised as a model of best practice model.
Playful Pavements responds to the need for communities to reclaim their streets and develop the skills needed to hold regular and increased scale events on the estate.
Make It Happen Playful Pavements builds on previous Playful Pavements events on the estate during which people said they wanted to: improve safety in the area; create more positive activities for children and young people; and improve local outdoor spaces.
The Playful Pavements event on Saturday 4 July 2026 became a moment of creativity, pride and community leadership on the Meadow Well estate. What began as a trainee-led idea grew into a vibrant, resident-driven celebration shaped by local voices, local concerns and local imagination.
As a result of the training programme, participants explored how street arts, games and creative activities could bring people together through their event planning. Those involved had formed an event planning group, set up a social media channel and WhatsApp group, and committed to nine weeks of 2 to 3-hour planning sessions – supported by additional volunteers to make sure every detail was covered. Their ideas were shaped by open conversations about real issues on the estate, including safety along the bus route, the need for cleaner play spaces, and the lack of opportunities for children and families. These concerns were built directly into the design of the l event.
By July, trainees had put their learning into action – delivering a four-hour street arts festival that welcomed over 100 residents and families. The atmosphere was lively and joyful, with people staying for long periods to enjoy street arts, poster design, street games, DJ sets, VR drumming, and a colourful parade of artworks created by the group.
Through the evaluation of the day, one message was clear: the residents want to keep going and doing more events for the community. There is a strong desire to continue developing new Playful Pavements events, building on the momentum, creativity and confidence sparked through Make It Happen.
Between December and January, we were in and around the Meadow Well community. Hosting a series of conversations and listening sessions, our community champion Olly Armstrong met with local community groups to learn more about what they wanted to do and see happen on the estate. Connecting with local residents we additionally recruited participants to join Make It Happen.
February, saw the launch and start of our 6 session training programme. Participants over the first few weeks begun to develop ideas for their pop up event, consider the key building blocks of event planning and gain insight into basic marketing. Over the remaining sessions they continued to build upon their ideas exploring budgets, general event logistics and monitoring/evaluation of their event.
While planning their own Playful Pavement events, participants of the training have also took the time to reflect on their own progress. Working with animator Sheryl Jenkins, the group created their own short animation sections to be used in a larger piece which documented their journey.
The start of 2026 saw us launch five new Useful Stuff masterclasses for artists. Open to artists who live in the North East Combined Authority area, they aimed to provide artist the opportunity to build new skills and refresh their knowledge on:
Events 101 was the first masterclass of the new year. Joined by guest speaker Sarah Li, artists dove into the building blocks of events planning. Exploring practical examples and considerations of what needs to go into your arts event. They even got to get an insight into Sarah Li’s event for the Queer Pleasure Archive and what went into it’s planning.
Our Marketing masterclass provided insights into both theory and practical steps for developing the marking for an event. With practical guidance from Culture Vulture Rachel Horton and Amy Langdown, attendees got; some key do’s and don’t for social media; top tips when finding and advertising to your target audience; and ‘How to’s’ on planning your key tasks and time.
Fundraising is one of our most popular masterclasses which we run across our artist development strand at Helix Arts. Digging into the steps from research to application, attendees discover the main elements to prioritise and top tips for developing applications. Guest speaker Sheryl Jenkins additionally shared their knowledge on applying and lessons from past experiences of fundraising.
Curation 101 was a new masterclass for 2026! Joined by curator Dominic Smith, artist Sarah Li and our trustee/visual artist Ronan Devlin, attendees dove into all things curation. Exploring the fun of the decision process when selecting artforms, exhibiting in unusual spaces and key thought processes when exhibiting.
