Together Again gave people space to think creatively about their connection with North Shields and Wallsend. Residents were encouraged to share their hopes and vision for the high streets and town centres. Guided by feedback from those taking part we lit up the area around North Shields town Centre. Read more about Together Again here.
Celebrating Together Again
Posted on: 30th March 2022
Together Again culminated in a spectacular sharing event in March 2022.
Laurelle Kamara (2022)
The Difference Together Again Made
Helix Arts listened carefully to our local communities in North Shields and Wallsend following the pandemic. The views expressed helped shape ‘Together Again’ and other Helix Arts’ projects like Better Connect.
Culturally Significant
Jay Sykes’ audio piece made with people across North Tyneside is regionally and nationally significant. His commission engaged diverse participants and gives a representative view of their communities’ concerns. You can listen to ‘A Tale of Two North Tyneside Towns’ here. We have shared this with staff at Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums for inclusion in their collection. We hope it is useful for the next generation of local historians.
Space to Create
Alizon Bennet’s workshops proved very popular with those taking part. Participants wanted similar activities to become a regular offer. The views shared will feed into our future work and plans working with Customs First Centres and families.
Reaching the Most Vulnerable
Sophie Barton built meaningful connections with participants at Walking With sharing her own experiences of growing up and living in a predominantly white working class community. In conversation we noticed those newest to the area often held the most positive views and were keen to express their thanks to longstanding residents for their warm welcome.
Social Connections
84 people took part in workshops. We talked with an nearly 350 people at community events and reached over 2000 individuals online. Thank you to all who took part and those that shared our Facebook posts, tweets and visted the website.
Want We Want in Wallsend and North Shields
Residents want investment in improving the high streets’ appearance, facilities, shopping experience and social/cultural events. They were also very keen that more people ‘talked up the town’ raising awareness of inspiring local people increasing pride. In green spaces people asked for trees to be preserved and planted. Dedicated spaces doe older children. And green fingered residents wanted growing spaces like allotments or orchards.
Thanks again to everyone who took part. We will continue to share your views and developing projects with them in mind like our current Heritage Action Zone programme.
We’re Still Listening
Did you take part in a Together Again creative experience? Would you like to share your views on this work? Email Creative Producer Elizabeth: elizabeth.kane@helixarts.com or reach us on social media @helixarts on Twitter and Facebook or @helixartsNE on instagram. Use the hashtag #TogetherAgain
