STORY OF PLACE
In 2022, I was commissioned as Artist Residency by Helix Arts to work with the whole school communities at Beacon Hill Sixth Form, Carville Primary School and Western Community Primary School. The artworks produced were a window into children’s lives in Wallsend during the Covid-19 pandemic. Like so many others their lives were harshly affected by the pandemic, but their stories also demonstrated just how resilient they have been. The project was developed with students and staff in schools and exhibited at Segedunum Roman Fort.
‘Story of Place’ was made possible thanks to generous support from Wallsend Children’s Community with Save the Children supported by BVLGARI and staff across Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums. As a result of the project works were taken into the TWAM archive.
Project Reflection from Helix Arts
Through ‘Story of Place’, young people had the opportunity to reflect and share their experiences related to the pandemic. Happily their stories offer us hope and resilience. Children spoke about time with their family, friends and community. They enjoyed time to play, imagine, explore, create and learn in different ways.
We found that participants in our training for professionals also took a more positive view of the pandemic. Some said story gathering training helped them rethink and reframe their experiences.
Helix Arts and Wallsend Children’s Community both deepened their understanding of the pressures families face now. We also learned how professionals in schools and community settings are continuing to support families through their work.
Now, these young artists and their teachers will share their story gathering skills with their school communities. As a result of our partnership with Wallsend Children’s Community, these stories will be able to bring about positive change.
What we have learned will continue to inform Helix Arts’ artistic programming in Wallsend and other priority areas of North Tyneside.