The NewBridge Project, a contemporary art space in Newcastle upon Tyne, has announced the launch of Co-Act, a new development programme for socially engaged artists. This exciting new initiative offers a range of opportunities for artists to develop their practice, build networks, and engage with communities.
Co-Act is aimed at artists who are interested in working in collaboration with communities and organisations to create socially engaged art projects. The programme offers a variety of activities, including workshops, mentoring, and networking events, designed to help artists develop their skills and connect with like-minded practitioners.
For the artists that took part in the Wey Aye Lego Man photography exhibition, Co-Act could be an excellent opportunity to further their practice and connect with other socially engaged artists. The Wey Aye Lego Man exhibition showcasing Lego man themed photography by neurodiverse artists was a captivating and lighthearted display that captured the essence of Newcastle and its surrounding region, while sparking nostalgia amongst those who grew up playing with Lego.
By participating in Co-Act, neurodiverse artists, like the ones from the Lego exhibition could learn more about how to create socially engaged art that has a positive impact on their communities. They could also connect with other artists who are passionate about working in this way, building relationships that could lead to future collaborations.
Co-Act offers a range of activities that could benefit the all kinds of neurodiverse artists from the North East, including mentoring, workshops, and networking events. The mentoring programme provides one-to-one support from experienced artists and curators, helping artists to develop their practice and gain valuable insights into the art world.
The workshops cover a range of topics, from project management to community engagement, giving artists the practical skills they need to create successful socially engaged art projects. The networking events provide opportunities to meet other artists, curators, and community organisers, building relationships that could lead to future collaborations and projects.
Co-Act is an excellent opportunity for socially engaged artists to develop their practice and connect with like-minded practitioners. For neurodiverse artists, it could be the next step in their journey, helping them to create socially engaged art that has a positive impact on the communities they care about.
If you’re a socially engaged artist looking for new opportunities, I encourage you to check out Co-Act and see what it can offer you. It’s a fantastic initiative that could help you to take your practice to the next level and make a real difference in your community.
The programme will be advertised through an open call in June and will run from September 2023 – March 2025. Keep an eye on the NewBridge Project website and social media for when the Open Call is live!
If you want to register your interest and be kept updated on this opportunity, please email Frances Stacey, the Interim Director, on frances@thenewbridgeproject.com with a short message that says ‘I am interested!’ with the subject: Registering interest in Co-Act.
Co-Act is supported by Jerwood Developing Artists Fund. The Fund provides grants for arts organisations to deliver sector-leading development programmes for early-career artists, makers, curators and producers in all artforms across the UK.
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