Open Quay – Behind the scenes at Helix Arts

Posted on: 4th September 2026

Come behind the scenes at Helix Arts HQ!

Image by Tynesight Photography
A lively community workshop taking place in a bright room with large windows. Several people are seated at long wooden tables covered with craft materials, fabric, and baskets, while others stand nearby chatting and observing. The group includes adults and children engaged in creative activities. Posters, artwork, and photographs decorate the walls, and a camera setup suggests documentation or filming.

Come behind the scenes at Helix Arts HQ - see what we do, join in with workshops, view films and artworks, have a chat with the team and artists and grab a brew!

Flagship projects will be in the limelight. The Sycamore Gap wood will be showcased and our leading Creative Health programme Better Connect will feature.

Saturday 26 September 2026

11am – 3pm 

Helix Arts, North Shields, NE30 1NT

Get up close to the Sycamore Gap wood – a hands‑on moment with a landmark loved across the country and chat to the producer and architect making this possible with communities. Leave your story and memory too!

Drop in and try out printmaking – how can arts and creativity help wellbeing?
Try it out and take your own print away in our Better Connect workshop. Artist Emma Sheridan will show you how to mono print and create a unique piece of art to take home.

Plus much more including:

  • Explore our archive, handle the objects and deep dive into our history across the decades
  • Browse our exhibition outdoors and indoors celebrating some of our project work
  • Chat with our producers to learn more about what’s coming up across all programmes, artists, communities, schools work and more.
  • Come for a brew, enjoy our exhibition and even take time to soak up some laid back viewing of our films

Meet the Architect

At 12 noon George King Architects & Cheryl Gavin our Director will join us to answer questions about our plans for the sculpture using the iconic wood.

First come first served. We’ll save a few spots for the day too.

And you can join us online for this too!

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