Empowering Berwick’s Cultural and Creative Community
The Creative Action Fund continues to support Berwick’s vibrant cultural and creative scene, enabling local artists, organisations, and communities to deliver innovative projects that celebrate the town’s heritage, creativity, and diversity.
In Round 2 (2024), we supported 11 projects with a total value invested £43,000.
Creative Action Fund, Round 2 Artists & Projects
The Creative Action Fund is open to all creatives in Berwick and surrounding wards, who would benefit from investment to boost their careers or productivity.
The following artists and projects have been successful in Round 2 of the Creative Action Fund.
Marketing Berwick’s Festivals
Led by: Jackie Kaines Lang, Friends of Berwick Castle Parks
This project brought Berwick’s festivals into the spotlight through eye-catching postcards designed by local artist Anne Young. Distributed locally and at events like the Northumberland Tourism Fair, the postcards showcased the town’s cultural offering, encouraging greater footfall and broader recognition of Berwick as a creative hub.
“Berwick’s diverse festivals bring considerable footfall and engagement to the town. The ‘pick-me-up-and-keep-me’ cards were a brilliant way to showcase the breadth of events and talent here. Visitors love them, and retail outlets have been clamouring for more. We’re so grateful to Create Berwick for funding this fun, successful project.” Jackie Kaines Lang
“The Uninvited” – A Plant-Led Art Walk
Led by: Anna Chapman Parker, Artist and Writer
Building on research for her book Understorey, Anna developed a walk-based artwork exploring plant knowledge through drawing, sound, and historical imagery. Participants discovered the hidden beauty of ‘weeds’ like chickweed and ragwort, engaging with the local environment through art and storytelling.
“I’m thrilled to have received support from Create Berwick to develop The Uninvited. This project marks an important new direction for my practice, taking research from my book into the community and exploring how art can bring people closer to the natural world.” Anna Chapman Parker
Writers Website: Berwick and Beyond
Led by: Anne Graham, Writer
This independent arts website showcases Berwick’s creative community through written and audio features. By shining a spotlight on local talent, this platform connects artists with audiences near and far, adding a touch of glamour to the town’s creative offerings.
“Berwick has a wonderful creative community that deserves a wider audience. With my background in journalism, I hope to raise the profile of local artists and provide them with an independent platform to showcase their work.” Anne Graham
“The Ukulele & Other Machines”
Led by: Carol Whinnom, Musician
This project brought high-quality music workshops and performances to Berwick, engaging diverse audiences, including children and young people. By collaborating with local educators and musicians, it enriched the town’s cultural landscape and reached under-served groups.
“Our goal was to engage communities through music in meaningful, participatory ways. Bringing in talented performers for workshops and public events has sparked creativity and connections across Berwick.” Carol Whinnom
“The Walls” Performance R&D
Led by: Chloe Smith, Artist
This intergenerational community dance project celebrated Berwick’s history through movement and storytelling. Research and development workshops laid the groundwork for a large-scale outdoor performance on the town’s historic ramparts, scheduled for summer 2025.
“I grew up in Berwick, and this project is deeply personal. It’s about celebrating the town’s unique history and geography while engaging local residents in a creative process that will bring our stories to life.” Chloe Smith
“Hair of the Dog”
Led by: Sarah Jamieson, Photographer & Filmmaker
This photographic project celebrated the bond between dogs and their owners, featuring vibrant portraits and personal stories. The work culminated in a public exhibition and educational activities, highlighting the role of pets in fostering mental health and community connection.
“What started as a fun idea to capture the personalities of local dogs turned into something much deeper. Hearing heartfelt stories from owners was incredibly moving, and I hope the exhibition sparks connection and joy within the community.” Sarah Jamieson
Thick Presence: All at Once – The Body in the Voiceover Booth
Led by: Kathryn Elkin, Artist
This project explored voiceover practices from the era of the Broadcasting Ban (1988–1994). Through research and development, Kathryn began creating a new body of work and engaging local audiences with a work-in-progress screening at The Maltings in November where presented research and invited people to discuss the work, opening up a more conversational space.
“This funding has given me the opportunity test new approaches. My process for this work has involved making a sort of ‘maquette’—a rough video that acts as a sketchbook to test new techniques. It’s a departure from how I’ve worked before. I have resisted the previous logics I have used to bring something together, as this reference of the broadcasting ban asks so many rich questions about omission and access. I want to find ways to speak to that formally.” Kathryn Elkin
Lasting Impressions: Tweed Fishing
Led by: Claire Beattie, Artist; Becki Cooper, Community Outreach, Amy Jo Kearton, student in partnership with Museums Northumberland
Celebrating Berwick’s salmon fishing heritage, this project featured Gyotaku fish-printing workshops and a heritage window display on Marygate. These activities highlighted the historic and cultural significance of fishing to the town, engaging locals and visitors alike.
“We held a fish printing event at the Bridge 400 which was incredibly well received. We had great feedback such as ‘it was amazing for people from 7 months to 70 years old and everyone was involved’ this was great to hear as keeping things free and accessible is very important to us.” Becki Cooper, Community Outreach, Berwick Museum part of Museums Northumberland
Development of Straw Yard Studios
Led by: Ben Humphrey, Artistic Director, Tortive Theatre
Tortive Theatre established a permanent creative hub in Berwick, providing rehearsal and performance spaces for local and visiting artists. The Straw Yard Studios aims to nurture collaboration, develop new audiences, and position Berwick as a destination for cultural activities.
“The Straw Yard marks a new chapter for Tortive Theatre, allowing us to grow creatively while supporting the wider creative community in Berwick. This space is a stepping stone to more ambitious projects and deeper collaboration.” Ben Humphrey, Artistic Director, Tortive Theatre
Printmaking Development
Led by: Viliina Koivisto, Artist
Through formal training and focused practice, Viliina advanced her printmaking skills and created a new collection of work. By showcasing her prints at local venues, she connected with new audiences and expanded Berwick’s creative offerings.
“This funding has allowed me to focus on developing my skills and creating new work that bridges fine art and accessible design. Connecting with customers in non-traditional art spaces has been especially rewarding.” Viliina Koivisto
Mapping Berwick’s Heritage Open Days
Led by: Linda Bankier & Cameron Robertson, Members of the Berwick Heritage Open Days steering group
A visually engaging map was created to guide attendees of the Heritage Open Days festival. The map complemented the existing booklet, making it easier for visitors to explore Berwick’s historic sites and cultural events.
“This map has helped make Heritage Open Days more accessible and engaging for everyone. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between creatives, businesses, and the community.” Linda Bankier
Supporting Berwick’s Creative Future
From interactive performances and visual art to digital platforms and heritage celebrations, these projects highlight the breadth of talent and innovation within Berwick.
The Creative Action Fund closes for applications on 31 January 2025, apply now on our website.
