Descriptions and links to book each workshop below . All are welcome!

In this workshop we will discuss the concept of chosen family, and the importance of the being able to recognise the characteristics that we need when deciding who our chosen family are going to be. We will be exploring these concepts through the use of portraiture and character design, and seeing how this can change how characters are designed.

Meg is a local illustrator from Newcastle whose work encapsulates humour, social issues, and portraiture through bright and bold illustrations.

Book here: Character Design Workshop with Meg – Fill out form

The workshop will use the archive as a source of inspiration for ideas and conversations. Drop into this fun interactive photo studio, be inspired by pride themed photos then use the cameras provided to create new portraits and moments exploring the diversity and beauty and expansive possibilities of ‘queer life’ in Ashington in 2025. Please bring any objects that represent ‘diversity’, ‘belonging’ and ‘home’ to you – but not required – just come along and have a fun time!

Kate Sweeney (https://katesweeney.icu/) and Phyllis Christopher (https://phyllischristopher.com) are artists based in Gateshead. They are currently using Phyllis’ photography archive which spans 40 years and documents the LGBTQ+ communities of San Francisco and England to facilitate creative workshops.

Book here: We Are Family Workshop with Phyllis and Kate – Fill out form

The workshop will focus on the idea of ‘home’ – what home means to each individual person and how we create ‘home’. We will explore the theme via poetry and collage.

Amy Langdown is a poet and participatory artist who focuses on community and creating safe spaces for people to share their lived experience.

Book here: Collage Poetry Workshop with Amy – Fill out form

Welcome, Karibu, خوش آمدید! Welcoming people to your home is so important, whether they’ve popped by for a cuppa, a chat or to celebrate. Welcome them with creativity by making a painted or mosaic tea tray, your work of art can be used at home again and again to welcome neighbours, friends and families.

Lily Daniels is an artist who works with old fashioned materials to connect to heritage and tradition. She works at GemArts to bring cultural arts to communities and schools.

Book here: Tea Tray Painting and Mosaic Workshop with Lily – Fill out form

Make and decorate pop-up houses and explore themes of home, family and belonging in this relaxed creative session

Mack Sproates is a theatre maker, facilitator, artist and zine maker based in Newcastle. Their work is joyful, playful, cut and stick, silly and raw; aiming to help marginalised people’s voices feel seen and heard. They are inspired by DIY punk scenes, pop-culture, music and comic books.

Book here: Pop-Up Houses with Mack – Fill out form

Handmake your own sustainable festive wreath, which can be traditional, reflective of your culture or just decorative! Strictly limited to 20 places.

Yve Anthea Ngoo is a North East-based artist who makes wearable and sustainable art and adornments

Book here: Festive Wreath Making with Yve – Fill out form