In the spring of 2011 The Forge developed two arts projects across the villages of Thornley and Wheatley Hill in County Durham which provided young people access to high quality artists and new art forms including new media, visual art, creative writing, music and digital photography. The project culminated with two unforgettable events that will live within the community for a long time.

Who did the project involve?

Our bases in Thornley Primary and St Godrics RCVA Primary Schools enabled us to work closely with the children, their teachers, parents and carers and the wider community who all had contact and worked with a range of practitioners including musician and song writer Katie Docherty, photographer Reed Ingram Weir, radio facilitator Elaine Parker and NE1FM.

This project was developed in close consultation with the local councillor Brain Wilson, pupils, parents and community activists and was funded by the East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action.

What did we want to do?

The central themes for both projects were environment, aspiration and civic pride with a further aim to increase the knowledge of the local area, skills, self esteem and the confidence of the young people and school staff.

How did we plan on doing it?

The children explored and celebrated the special people and places in their community and scripted and created a radio programme broadcast on NE1FM and songs inspired by their community. The children led celebration performances and curated a photographic exhibition.

What Happened?

The outcome for ‘My Thornley’ and ‘Radio On’ included 18 weeks of project delivery across schools and communities working with 7 artists over 33 days. A radio broadcast was created and 4 new community songs plus a photography exhibition. 90 members of the community attended 2 events to celebrate the projects which involved the participation of approximately 100 young people and community activists.

Our Achievements

This project has contributing to achieving 3 of the East Durham Rural Corridor AAP aims including activities for young people, promoting community aspiration and safety and increasing employment prospects and enterprise skills.

Our partnership with the communities of Thornley and Wheatley Hill and the East Durham Area Action Partnership is continuing, check back for information about the next stage which is soon to begin.