Our flagship projects at Open Quay

Posted on: 9th October 2026

In September 2026 Helix Arts took part in Open Quay - North Shields’ first open studio weekend.

Image by Von Fox Productions

Two people's hands holding wood from the Sycamore Gap tree

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We welcomed almost 300 people to Helix Arts’ HQ, who came for a brew and a chat, to enjoy our exhibition, take part in creative activities, and view our films.

A busy Helix Arts HQ, with people at a table rolling ink on stencils.

Flagship projects were in the limelight including The People’s Tree and our leading Creative Health programme Better Connect.

People got up close to the wood from the Sycamore Gap tree – a hands‑on moment with a landmark loved across the country.

This was the first opportunity for people to share their stories about Sycamore Gap and their feelings about nature as we launched The People’s Tree project.

It was great to see project partners Beth from the National Trust and George from George King Architects at the event.

In our Better Connect printmaking workshop, artist Emma Sheridan showed people how to monoprint and create a unique piece of nature-inspired art to take home.

Architect George King talking to the room

George King, architect for The People’s Tree, did a talk and answered questions about our plans for a public sculpture using wood from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree.