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Our work Prev Next Connected communities Our Connected Communities work focuses on supporting underrepresented or marginalised groups, as well as communities with identified needs. By using creative, arts-led activities and building strong partnerships, the programme works to deepen connections, enhance emotional and social well-being, and create a genuine sense of belonging for people in the places where they live. Button Setting The Scene Button PLACE Lab Button Pride in Teesdale Button Cultivate commissions “Today made me feel…connected, uplifted, hopeful, a sense of togetherness and shared humanity” (Community Participant) Our work with communities - both geographic and communities of interest - harnesses the transformative power of the arts and creativity to create civic change from the grassroots upwards.

Connected Communities by Northern Heartlands uses arts-led creativity to improve wellbeing, strengthen connections and partnerships and help build resilient communities. Our connected communities work supports underrepresented and often marginalised groups, as well as communities with identified needs. Through creative, arts‑led activity and strong partnerships, we help deepen connections, strengthen emotional and social wellbeing, and foster a sense of belonging in the places people call home. Explore some of our Connected Communities projects Our work Prev Next Connected communities Setting The Scene Button Pride in Teesdale Button PLACE Lab Button Today made me feel…connected, uplifted, hopeful, a sense of togetherness and shared humanity (Community Participant) Our work Prev Next

Northern Heartlands uses creativity to connect communities with landscape and environment, celebrating natural heritage and inspiring new ways to engage with place. Our work Prev Next Our work in landscape and environment helps communities connect more deeply with their natural heritage and environment. Through creative projects and hands‑on experiences, we explore the stories, science and futures of the places around us. Landscape and environment Explore some of our landscape and environment work Button Cuthbert's Moor Button Creatively Connected Button Budding Botanists Our work Prev Next

Our work Connected communities Prev Next PLACE Lab PLACE Lab is a county-wide programme using the power of culture and creativity to catalyse change at a local level. We are leading PLACE Lab in Shildon and Weardale, with a particular focus on work for children and young people in Shildon. Project impact From agricultural shows to cavalcades, we are working with people to build confidence and change how they think about their place. 70% of participants reported an increase in cultural participation 84% of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they felt more motivated to do more creative things in the future 93% of partner respondents agreed/strongly agreed that they would like to work with Northern Heartlands in the future During 2024-25, PLACE Lab Shildon and Weardale has: supported 860 participants to take part supported 19 groups commissioned 19 artists PLACE Lab is part of "Into the Light", a transformative programme of creative, collaborative projects across County Durham. Previous Next

Northern Heartlands supports creative practice by empowering artists to grow, collaborate and create meaningful work with communities across the region. Our work Prev Next The creative practitioners who deliver work with us are self‑employed, and we recognise how precarious freelance life can be. An important part of what we do is help create the conditions for artists and creative practitioners to thrive. Supporting creative practice Through the opportunities we offer, the resources we provide, and the activities we facilitate - we encourage curiosity, engagement, and growth. By supporting creative practitioners in sustaining their creative journeys, we inspire others to imagine, participate, develop and express their own creativity - enriching the cultural life of the communities and places around them. Cultivate commissions Northern Heartlands with No More Nowt led the 2024/25 Cultivate Commissions programme. Cultivate Commissions provided space for creative practitioners to work closely with a community or group(s), taking time to listen, build relationships, and understand local needs. The commissions encouraged practitioners to explore how creativity can support people to express their ideas, develop confidence, and shape the conditions that allow creativity to thrive. Northern Heartlands are leading the current 2026/7 programme commissioned by Into The Light Into the Light is a place-based creative collaboration that will drive long-lasting growth in County Durham. Read the report: Apply for 2026-27 commission: Our work Prev Next

Discover Northern Heartlands’ creative health work, using arts and creativity to improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and build stronger community connections. Our creative health work supports people’s mental health and wellbeing. There is strong evidence that taking part in creative activity can reduce anxiety, build confidence and improve overall wellbeing. Put simply, creativity helps people feel better. Explore some of our creative health projects The i:d project Button Creative Health in Bishop Auckland Button Take Part in Teesdale Button Our work Prev Next Creative health Our work Prev Next

Projects List Filter items with Category name Connected communities Creative health Landscape & environment Supporting creative practice Filter by Tags Setting The Scene Creatively Connected Cultivate commissions Take Part in Teesdale Pride in Teesdale Budding Botanists PLACE Lab Cuthbert's Moor The i:d project Creative Health in Bishop Auckland

Explore Northern Heartlands work across the region, including creative health, community engagement, and artist development programmes that connect people, place, and culture. Our work Our programmes involve bringing together artists, communities and partners in their own spaces and places through consultation, engagement, activity and events. Creative health Landscape & environment Connected communities Supporting creative practice

Our work Connected communities Prev Next Setting The Scene Setting The Scene, aimed to encourage participation, the expression of ideas and ignite curiosity. Artists Ronan Devlin and Dominic Smith worked in collaboration within the community to creatively test ideas and explore how local networks can support and define the present and future identities of these communities. By co-creating a programme featuring audio material, newspaper spreads, walks and local events, the project highlighted and helped connect the unique qualities and creativity of the people of Coundon and Witton Park. Project impact 10 workshops, walks and events were delivered to engage communities 2 final events at local community centres engaged local musicians and children to play, providing space for celebration and community interaction The project culminated in distributing approximately 4000 newspapers throughout Coundon and Witton Park, containing images from community workshops, QR codes linked to audio stories, and reflections from community members Explore the project Read the report Read the final report for Setting the Scene Sign up Add your details to the Northern Heartlands Creative Directory Listen Listen to the audio pieces that were created for each page of the newspaper Read Read Setting the Scene newspaper View See some of the creative activity that took place in Setting the Scene Thank you to our generous funders: Previous Next

View current contract opportunities for Artists to work on projects supporting communities in South West County Durham. Home / Opportunities Artist call outs Here you will find Artist call outs for projects we are delivering. We have no open opportunities just now. Keep checking this space and follow us on our socials to hear about any upcoming opportunities. More opportunities... Artist call outs Resources We Need Your Support Today! Donate

Podcast Brianna & Madison Hosting Inspiring Women

stories and memories from ukraine Back to projects We’re delighted to be hosting ‘Stories and Memories from Ukraine’ on our website. OLEK DEV, based in Kyiv when war broke out back in February 2022, has spent his time recording memories and traditional stories from some of the older generation who have remained in the city throughout the Russian invasion. The project provides a way for Ukrainians here in UK and across the globe to listen to some lovely authentic Ukrainian voices – and for those surviving the turbulence in their own country to share stories from happier times. Here's the link to hear the authentic voices: Memories of Ukraine Here are the verbatim tranlations by Olek: Lyudmila Hryhorivna Galena Fairy Tale Ivasyk Telesyk Elena Vladimirovna Zinaida Pavlovna