Residents across Bishop Auckland are being invited to take part in a major new community arts project celebrating the people and stories that make the town unique.
100 Portraits of Bishop Auckland, led by The Auckland Project, will bring together residents and artists to create a collection of portraits capturing the character, creativity and lived experience of the town. Through workshops, open calls and informal portrait sittings, the project aims to reflect Bishop Auckland’s rich sense of place and community, culminating in a public exhibition opening on 26 March.
The project is based at The Auckland Project’s recently opened Artists’ Hub at No.43 Market Place, which is already welcoming people of all ages and abilities to get involved.
The Auckland Project is issuing an open call for portrait submissions. Artists and residents are invited to submit portraits in any medium, including drawing, painting, photography or collage. All works should be by or of someone who lives or works in Bishop Auckland and should celebrate the people and stories that define the community. Submissions should include an image of the artwork and a short explanation of how it connects to Bishop Auckland and should be sent to transformativeart@aucklandproject.org.
Work is already underway with submissions to the exhibition. Last November, Hearth – which is funding 100 Portraits of Bishop Auckland – introduced Portrait Photography for a short series of creative workshops for young people at Daisy Arts WASH Youth Theatre group, led by artist Louise Taylor. Using disposable cameras, participants explored what “home” means to them through portrait photography, learning simple techniques and building confidence.
Local people were also invited to become part of the project through drop-in portrait sessions with resident artist Jackie Stonehouse. These informal sessions welcomed residents to sit for a portrait and contribute to this growing visual celebration of the town and its people.
The launch of 100 Portraits of Bishop Auckland coincides with the recent opening of the new community Artists’ Hub, part of The Auckland Project’s refurbishment of No.43 Market Place (formerly Home Bargains). Supported by the Stronger Towns Fund administered by Durham County Council, the Hub provides a new creative home for Bishop Auckland, offering courses, mentoring, training and exhibition opportunities.
Jilly Johnston, Hearth Art Specialist, said: “100 Portraits of Bishop Auckland is about celebrating the people who make this town what it is. By inviting residents to participate as artists, sitters or storytellers, we’re creating something that truly belongs to the community and reflects Bishop Auckland’s identity.”
Founded in 2012 by Jonathan and Jane Ruffer, The Auckland Project is working to transform Bishop Auckland into a centre of heritage and the arts. Its work includes the restoration of historic Auckland Palace and the development of nationally significant attractions including the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery and the Faith Museum, alongside an expanding programme of community engagement and skills development.
The Auckland Project’s community work also includes Hearth, a cultural and social regeneration programme for Bishop Auckland, in partnership with SHED.
Hearth aims to connect local people with the town’s cultural life, rooted in warmth, gathering, and belonging. It creates welcoming opportunities for families, young people and individuals to come together through creativity, care and shared experiences, reinforcing The Auckland Project’s long-term commitment to supporting the people of Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area.
For further information, please contact transformativeart@aucklandproject.org.
