Bellwether

Connecting with the wildness of Northumberland coastlines, woodlands and rivers, this 18 month project was commissioned by Museums Northumberland bait as part of ACE Creative People and Places programme. Working closely with over 25 local people online, and on location, 5 wildlife gangs were formed, after a deep dive into diverse habitats and species found in this spectacular part of the UK. Exploration of art materials, journalling and creative techniques, combined with a discovery of conservation and environmental science, resulted in the creation a strong new identity of local people who care for, and take inspiration from, nature where they live.

Gangs created their own iconography and gang patches, which were adorned by each member and photographed in the very habitats which inspired their art. A collective archive of artwork produced throughout the Bellwether project, alongside photographs and iconography of each gang, were exhibited at the Woodhorn Museum throughout August, September and October 2022. INSTAR curated and delivered Bellwether and the final exhibition.