The extraordinary & the ordinary
SEARCH IS ON FOR GEORDIE HEROES AND HEROINES
FROM Alan Shearer to Ouseburn Farm’s Willow the Cow, a new exhibition is celebrating people’s favourite locals.
The Geordie Heroes exhibition features more than 50 life-sized models designed and decorated by hundreds of people from across the city.
Sir Bobby Robson, Catherine Cookson, mums from Newcastle and Willow the Cow are just some of the figures on show at the Globe Gallery on Pilgrim Street.
Groups from across the region, including the Byker Community Trust, Newcastle College Students’ Union, Ouseburn Farm and Geek Retreat, have taken part.
Each has chosen and designed their hero, whether it is a famous Geordie, an unsung local or simply a theme or concept which captures the spirit of the city.
Visitors are also being encouraged to take part, with blank models and design materials on hand for people inspired by the heroes.
Geordie Heroes, which runs at the Globe Gallery until Sunday was organised by the Hero Project, a group who help communities create exhibitions.
It is being put on as part of Newcastle’s ‘Together We Are Stronger’ campaign, a collaboration between Safe Newcastle and Building a Stronger Britain Together, the UK’s Government’s national initiative to protect communities from extremism.
Coun Habib Rahman, chair of Safe Newcastle, said: “We all have our own local heroes so it’s fantastic to see so many different things about Newcastle celebrated through this exhibition. It’s a reminder of the many individuals, groups, places and things that come together to make our city great.
“I hope everyone can take the chance to pop by and have a look – and I hope they are inspired to think about what it is they love about Newcastle.”
Julia Burkin, co-founder of The Hero Project, said: “It’s been an amazing experience working with people from across Newcastle and beyond to create the Geordie Heroes exhibition. Over the last six months we’ve met some incredible people who have come together to create this amazing celebration.
“By using thinking tools we have helped people improve their skills over the course of the project, which will help them in the future – and in turn, the groups involved have inspired us with their passion and their stories.”
Byker Community Trust said: “It was fantastic to see members of the Byker Village Tenants and Residents Association work with young people in the community, alongside the charity Kids Kabin, to design two different heroes of their choice. The first hero was created to capture the spirit of Byker through a collection of drawings and ideas from local, young people. The second hero commemorates renowned architect Ralph Erskine and the leading role that he played.”