Local artists reflect on impact of COVID-19 with new exhibition
Five local artists have worked alongside diverse groups in Gateshead, reflecting on the impact COVID-19 has had on their lives. The Lockdown Lives 2 Exhibition takes place at St Mary's Heritage Centre from Tuesday 9 May until Friday 30 June.
With every lockdown life being unique, the challenge was to really start to understand the experiences of others. Working with young people across Gateshead and Age UK members, the exhibition of work reflects on lockdown three years on.
Working alongside professional artists has given people the space to share their pandemic experiences. Artists Bridget Hamilton, Sharon Bailey, Lizzie Klotz, Megan Randall and Leanne Pearce came together to work with the community groups to reflect on the impact COVID-19 has had on their lives and sensitively supported conversations in their own unique ways. Many people taking part felt able to talk about their lockdown experiences, some for the first time. These experiences are shown at the exhibition through dance, visual art, ceramics, writing and podcasting.
Gateshead Council's Director of Public Health, Alice Wiseman said:
"Whilst some of Gateshead's community never want to talk about the pandemic again, others have found comfort making, talking and discovering their experiences. Finding others share the same complex range of feelings has helped, with every experience unique and shaping resident's lives now. To see everyone come together to share their own journey through those unprecedented times is quite inspirational."
Creative Producer Elizabeth Kane said: "Whilst the lockdowns were a huge part of our lives we can be nervous to share. We don't want to cause upset or disagree. But sharing those feelings can be beneficial. It's reassuring to hear others understand and if people are really struggling be able to signpost them to things that could help.
"Even though many people shared difficult experiences nearly everyone could also find something positive. At each session people appreciated the new ways people and communities doubt to connect and support our each other. When we come together, even in quite small way, we make a big difference.
"I think that's why it's thought-provoking that Gateshead is doing work like this supporting the excellent work of our community groups and schools. It will be so wonderful to bring everyone together at the exhibition celebration so we can make even more connections. Who knows what that might lead to."
Lockdown Lives 2 Exhibition starts on Tuesday 9 May and runs until Friday 30 June at St Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead. The exhibition is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm (excluding 3 June) and is free to attend.
Five local artists have worked alongside diverse groups in Gateshead, reflecting on the impact COVID-19 has had on their lives. The Lockdown Lives 2 Exhibition takes place at St Mary's Heritage Centre from Tuesday 9 May until Friday 30 June.
With every lockdown life being unique, the challenge was to really start to understand the experiences of others. Working with young people across Gateshead and Age UK members, the exhibition of work reflects on lockdown three years on.
Working alongside professional artists has given people the space to share their pandemic experiences. Artists Bridget Hamilton, Sharon Bailey, Lizzie Klotz, Megan Randall and Leanne Pearce came together to work with the community groups to reflect on the impact COVID-19 has had on their lives and sensitively supported conversations in their own unique ways. Many people taking part felt able to talk about their lockdown experiences, some for the first time. These experiences are shown at the exhibition through dance, visual art, ceramics, writing and podcasting.
Gateshead Council's Director of Public Health, Alice Wiseman said:
"Whilst some of Gateshead's community never want to talk about the pandemic again, others have found comfort making, talking and discovering their experiences. Finding others share the same complex range of feelings has helped, with every experience unique and shaping resident's lives now. To see everyone come together to share their own journey through those unprecedented times is quite inspirational."
Creative Producer Elizabeth Kane said: "Whilst the lockdowns were a huge part of our lives we can be nervous to share. We don't want to cause upset or disagree. But sharing those feelings can be beneficial. It's reassuring to hear others understand and if people are really struggling be able to signpost them to things that could help.
"Even though many people shared difficult experiences nearly everyone could also find something positive. At each session people appreciated the new ways people and communities doubt to connect and support our each other. When we come together, even in quite small way, we make a big difference.
"I think that's why it's thought-provoking that Gateshead is doing work like this supporting the excellent work of our community groups and schools. It will be so wonderful to bring everyone together at the exhibition celebration so we can make even more connections. Who knows what that might lead to."
Lockdown Lives 2 Exhibition starts on Tuesday 9 May and runs until Friday 30 June at St Mary's Heritage Centre in Gateshead. The exhibition is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm (excluding 3 June) and is free to attend.
