Hidden Treasures Northumberland

2018

A geocache art-trail in Stamfordham, Northumberland bringing communities together to share stories and experiences.

(Screenshot from Stamfordham film)

Making connections. Children from Albemarle Barracks and Stamfordham village worked together to create an innovative digital art trail.

Working in partnership with the Army Welfare Service on Albemarle Barracks and with local children from Stamfordham Primary School, we commissioned digital artist Nikki Pugh and artist and animator Sheryl Jenkins to co-create an online trail and ‘bird-boxes’ containing children’s artwork.

The trail invited families to discover secret boxes, open them to view the artwork and use the online app to discuss issues and themes, including local history and heritage.

“We are delighted to share the striking artwork created by local children around universal themes that reflect life both in the army and outside. It has been wonderful working with exciting artists like Nikki and Sheryl to create this digital art trail which is unique in that it changes in response to your choices, a bit like geo-caching. It offers a personal look into the lives of children and families in Stamfordham and is a free activity for families to enjoy together.”

Amy Mitchell, Producer

Each box contained artwork created by children from Albemarle Barracks and Stamfordham Primary developed in workshops with artist Sheryl Jenkins in response to themes about army life including jobs, hobbies and interests, friendship, housing and moving on. The art trail was free for families to enjoy and aimed to bring visitors to explore and enjoy the local area.

There were two characters designed and voiced by local children – Rainbow Unicorn (who liked cake) and Gumball the Goat (who loved to dig) – to guide families along the trail, using an interactive app developed by artist Nikki Pugh, who works with technology, landscape and space.

“Our team wanted to develop a project that would raise awareness of Service life amongst local and wider military and civilian communities. In partnership with Helix Arts, we were able to achieve this through a collaborative programme using activities where technology, creativity, socialising, digital and the great outdoors meet. It has been a privilege to support the delivery of this incredible and unique project, and to know that Service families have been able to tell their stories and be heard. The artwork they have produced has been so unique and expressive and it’s fantastic that Hidden Treasures has an inbuilt legacy that communities in the area will be able to enjoy.”

Lisa Robinson, Community Support Development Worker, Army Welfare Services

Thanks to our Project Funders

Hidden Treasures was funded by The Armed Forces Covenant.

Hidden Treasures Northumberland

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Thanks to our Project Funders

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