The Bellwether Project Exhibition

For the past two years, 26 community artists from across South East Northumberland have joined together to be part of ‘The Bellwether Project’. Working collaboratively with INSTAR artists Trish Evans and Nick Humphreys, the groups have formed close friendships through shared passions for art, creativity and nature.

Through a series of creative workshops and field trips in locations across South East Northumberland, the diverse groups of community artists have discovered fresh insights into the wildlife where they live, as well as new artistic techniques and creative skills, inspired by habitats within our communities.

“The Bellwether Project has the peppered moth as its emblem. Like the moth our artistic talents unfolded, grew and flourished. INSTAR unlocked the box and set us free to see the beauty of South East Northumberland with fresh eyes. Our wings opened and the art flowed. We enjoyed field trips, zoom meetings and made lifelong friends. This project has brought us out of the darkness and inspired us through art to see a brighter future.”
Participant 

The exhibition celebrates the beauty of the natural world around us. You will discover a series of embroidered gang patches designed by the groups in collaboration with INSTAR. The patches adorn items of clothing that were worn by the groups in a photoshoot with professional photographer Timm Cleasby. These photos are part of the exhibition, along with samples of the vast amount of artwork produced during the two year journey of the project.

Connected to The Bellwether Project, there will be a series of art and creative workshops for all to enjoy.

We hope you will be inspired to find the artist within you and the wildlife around you.

This is a Museums Northumberland bait project. Museums Northumberland bait works in partnership to support more people in South East Northumberland to create and take part in inspiring and high-quality arts experiences. All projects aim to build a stronger future with the people who live here. To find out more about the Creative People and Places project visit the bait website.