• Thu. Mar 28th, 2024

North East Connected

Hopping Across The North East From Hub To Hub

Creative Charity Initiative Celebrates Second Birthday

A unique charity initiative, designed to boost creative start-ups from across the North East, is celebrating working with hundreds of artists in its first two years.

No.42, at Bishop Auckland Market Place, was launched by regional charity Auckland Castle Trust in 2015 to offer creative individuals and fledgling businesses, a place in which to display and sell their work.

Over the past two years more than 150 artists from within a 60 mile radius have featured in the venue’s gallery space and shop, originally known as Pod, with many being able to exhibit, and sometimes sell, to the public for the very first time.

Among the first exhibitors at the site was amateur photographer Rhys Barker aged 13, who was encouraged by his grandfather Adrian Barker.

Adrian said that: “The beauty of this gallery is that any member of the public can put their work forward and see it go on display.

“Rhys would never have had that opportunity without this initiative and it has really encouraged him to continue with photography in the hope of having more work on show soon.  The support from the team at No.42 has been a huge benefit to both of us and has really encouraged me to expand my skills too.”

Others to have benefitted include the Rossi family from Bishop Auckland, whose jeweller mum Anne, freelance artist dad Mark and son Chris, a Graphic Designer, have all had work on show and for sale in recent months.

“Over the years we have been able to sell some of our work through craft fairs but this has never been at a consistent location or on a regular basis,” said Anne.  “No.42 offers the family an opportunity to do this is in a more formalised way and to be part of a wider artistic community around Bishop Auckland, which is now beginning to thrive.  We never expected to find anything like this in our area and are so glad that we have.”

No.42, which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), forms part of Auckland Castle Trust’s plans to revitalise Bishop Auckland and create new opportunities for skills development and employment within the local community.

In 2016 an incubator hub, known as Pod, was established on the first floor of No.42, offering fledgling creative businesses somewhere to craft their products, before showcasing and selling them downstairs, and elsewhere.

Among its tenants are independent luxury lifestyle and accessories brand, Terrarium, artist Gillian Gamble and homeware and jewellery designers, Gillian Arnold, who have all featured on nationally renowned online sales portal Not on the High Street in recent months.

Gillian Arnold, one of Pod’s first residents 12 months ago, has also now expanded to launch a standalone shop on Fore Bondgate, Bishop Auckland, after establishing a regular clientele.

Earlier this year the ground floor at No.42. was refurbished to incorporate a workshop area, hosting regular Heritage Craft Skill sessions and a Collections Display, offering access to some of Auckland Castle Trust’s archived items and information about its Future Plans.

Jackie Stonehouse, who was among the first artists to exhibit at No.42 in 2015 is now the site’s manager, she said: “No.42 has seen some amazing changes over the last two years and we continue to go from strength to strength.

“Already we are widely recognised as a destination for high quality and accessible art and our visitors are always pleased to see works from so many local artists and businesses on show.

“It is fantastic to have worked with such a broad range of creative people and we will continue to do so in the years ahead.”

No.42 is open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm and is free to access.  The venue’s current gallery display, Summer Exhibition, launched on July 12 and has an open theme, encouraging local artists to express their creativity in whatever medium they see fit.

For more information search for NO42ACT on Facebook, Instagram no.42.act or Twitter or visitwww.aucklandcastle.org/no-42

Anyone interested in exhibiting in the gallery or selling in the shop can also email Jackie.stonehouse@aucklandcastle.org

By Emily