Arts project aims to put ex-pit village in the frame
A former mining village is to become an open air museum in a pioneering arts project.
Arts group East Durham Creates and Durham University aim to connect Blackhall withthousandsofyearsofhistory in the university’s collection.
The Street Museum project aims to create a walking trail around the village that will include 3D printed replicas of objects held by the university on display in the windows houses and businesses, as well as the library and community centre – with residents deciding what bit of history to bring to life in their community and over the next six months.
Theprojectfollowsonfrom the Street Gallery which was staged in Dawdon which saw people curate their own exhibition and turn the windows of their homes into art galleries that could be viewed from the street.
FundedbytheMuseumAssociationtheBlackhallproject also involves Blackhall Community Centre.
The project launched with a ‘Hands on History’ day at Blackhall Community Centre on Thursday October 28.
Jess Hunt, project lead for East Durham Creates said:
“This is an amazing opportunityforpeopleinEastDurham to connect with the amazing collections the university has right on their doorsteps.”
Alison Paterson, manager of Blackhall Community Centresaid:“We’veworkedtogether with East Durham Creates for many years to develop our centreasaplacewhereculture happensandit’sfantastictobe making this new relationship with Durham University.
"Wearedefinitelygoingfor BlackhallgettingtheVillageof Culture title!”
Ged Matthews, cultural engagement manager for Durham University said: “We are really committed to doing moreinthewidercountywith communities who might not always have the opportunity to access our fantastic collections or us as a university.”
"This is just the first of many really innovative projectsthatweintendtorunwith communitieslikeBlackhallin the future.”
DurhamCountyCouncilis bidding for the county to become UK City of Culture 2025 andhadmadeitthroughtothe final eight.
To find out more about the bid and to leave messages of support, go to www.durham2025.co.uk.