Inclusive artists commissions/partnerships

‘Narrative Shift’ was a Helix Arts commission produced by artist Amy Langdown — a queer, neurodivergent, and disabled writer, facilitator, producer, and artist based in the North-East.

Over the course of their career, Amy worked with various charities to deliver accessible workshops in art, writing, drama, signing, and more, engaging young people and adults from underserved communities. Their practice centres around participatory arts, with a deep commitment to making creativity more inclusive and demonstrating the powerful impact of the arts on mental and physical wellbeing.

With ‘Narrative Shift’, Amy aimed to reshape the conversation around queerness and disability. Through a series of spoken word poetry workshops, they spotlighted the voices of those who are too often spoken for rather than heard — empowering participants to reclaim their narratives.

Attendees created personal poems and collaborated on group pieces, using poetry to challenge stereotypes and celebrate identity. The project culminated in a joyful showcase event in May 2025, where the work was performed and shared with the public.

Artist Sarah Li collaborated with a select group of LGBTQ+ individuals based in the North-East of England — all connected to her LGBTQIA+ community — to explore the layered meaning of “pleasure” within a Queer context.

Together, they delved into how Queer pleasure could be documented, examining its ties to activism, the ways it was experienced, and the barriers that stood in the way.

The project worked towards building an archive that addressed gaps left by historical oppression, creating space for positive Queer experiences to be shared and accessed by researchers and the wider LGBTQIA+ community alike. Participants were empowered to uncover their own histories and connect more deeply with their identities.

This journey culminated in a powerful exhibition and Queer pleasure performance party held at Helix Arts in June 2025, alongside a lasting digital legacy and touring elements that extended the conversation beyond the region.

As a key outcome, the group also developed a methodological toolkit for Queering archives — a resource designed to inspire future projects and radically expand how Queer stories are preserved and celebrated.

Check out the interactive digital exhibition here.