Fostering Community with SPARK

We are thrilled to announce SPARK; an six month long arts project and initiative developed by us (The Auxiliary Project Space) and funded by Borderlands with support from MBC and Arts Council England which is taking place within Gresham and Newport.

SPARK is an opportunity for residents to immerse themselves in a world of creativity, collaboration, and connection. Presented by The Auxiliary and Borderlands, SPARK invites individuals from Gresham and Newport to join hands in shaping a shared artistic journey that celebrates the unique spirit of our community.

SPARK Arts Project is more than just an art initiative; it's a testament to the power of community-driven creativity. Through a series of co-creative workshops, participants will have the chance to explore various artistic mediums including graffiti artwork, photography, sound art, sculpture, and print, all under the guidance of experienced local artists such as Steve Irving, Jason Hynes, Stuart Langley, and the We Make Sound (WMS) collective.

But SPARK isn't just about creating art – it's about creating connections. 

At the heart of this project is the goal to break down barriers, spark conversation and celebrate diversity, by inviting members of the community to come together and express themselves through art. In SPARK we really want to see the local community participate and play a role in shaping the visual landscape of our shared environment. This dynamic six-month program is led by project manager Dianne Bowell.

The SPARK programme relies on collaborations with local Artists; who are developing and cultivating a weekly workshop programme spanning across the six-months which will result in an exhibition of work from the local community in Gresham. The artists selected span across visual art, photography and sound art giving the community access to a wide creative spectrum. 

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More About the Artists

Adding a global artistic perspective graffiti artist, curator and co-director of Pineapple Black CIC, Steve Irving will be working with the community and local schools to produce a large-scale graffiti artwork in the town. is a graffiti artist represented by Leviton Fine Art in America.

Winner of the 2020 Portrait of Britain, Jason Hynes, is involved in “Middlesbrough 200”, capturing the town’s diversity. He’ll be photographing 10 locals and exhibiting prints across town. Participants will also use disposable cameras to create their own photos.

Renowned for his light, sculpture & colour art, Stuart Langley, who has showcased works in notable places like Canary Wharf and communities including Durham, Grimsby, & Hartlepool will be collaborating with local groups to co-create a version of his heart sculpture.

We Make Sound (WMS), a female-led sound art collective who empower 11-18-year-olds to create music and words for radio and performance, often featured on BBC Radio Tees. Partnering with Barefoot Kitchen for SPARK x Borderlands, WMS will engage in gardening, cooking, and documentation, producing a creative documentary shared in a celebration event and online. Supported by a qualified mental health and wellbeing officer.

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This project kicked off with a Creative walk around Middlesbrough’s artistic sites and so far participants have been spray painting in Schools with Steve Irving, getting chatty on podcasts with We Make Sound and enjoying some motivating monthly get togethers over good food, great conversation and creative workshops from Creative Minds Middlesbrough

It’s all about coming together as neighbours and friends to discover the hidden talents within our community and to learn from one another. Whether you're an experienced artist or a complete beginner, SPARK welcomes everyone with open arms and encourages each individual to contribute their unique perspective to the collective canvas of Gresham.

How to Get Involved:

If you're a resident of Gresham or Newport and you're eager to be a part of this transformative artistic journey, we want to hear from you! Sign up today to participate in our co-creative workshops and unleash your creativity in a supportive and inclusive environment.

To register your interest or learn more about the project, please contact:

Dianne Bowell, SPARK Project Manager 

Email: community@theauxiliary.co.uk