Arts project puts Bishop Auckland in the frame

Residents across Bishop Auckland are being invited to take part in a new community arts project.

100 Portraits of Bishop Auckland has launched with a public call for submissions, encouraging residents and artists to contribute portraits that reflect the character and lived experience of the town. 

The project will culminate in a public exhibition opening on 26 March.

Led by regeneration charity The Auckland Project, the initiative brings together artists and local people through workshops, open calls and informal portrait sittings. 

Submissions are welcome in any medium, including drawing, painting, photography and collage, with works required to be by or of someone who lives or works in Bishop Auckland.

The project is based at the newly opened Artists’ Hub at No.43 Market Place, which is already hosting creative activity for people of all ages and abilities. 

The Artists’ Hub forms part of a wider refurbishment of the former Home Bargains site and has been supported by the Stronger Towns Fund, administered by Durham County Council.

Work on the exhibition is already under way. 

Recent activity has included portrait photography workshops for young people at Daisy Arts WASH Youth Theatre group, alongside drop-in portrait sessions led by a resident artist, inviting members of the public to sit for a portrait and take part in the growing collection.

The project is funded through Hearth, a cultural and social regeneration programme focused on strengthening connections between local people and Bishop Auckland’s cultural life.

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.”

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.

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