Waterfront Festival Associate Artists announced

The first cohort of Associate Artists has now been announced and will be working alongside Hartlepool Waterfront Festival’s Event Manager Aaron Bowman over a twelve month period with the aim of developing skills, sharing knowledge and raising the profile of some of the most creative minds and groups in the town.

The artist development project, which has been made possible through successful Arts Council England funding, will focus on five local artists including past Waterfront Festival collaborators Colly Metcalfe, Vicky Jackson, Lizzie Lovejoy, Menstrual Rage Theatre and Bettie Hope. This will involve a series of community engagement activities as well as artistic commissions linked to Hartlepool Waterfront Festival.

Aaron Bowman, Events Manager at Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Hartlepool Waterfront Festival is so much more than just a festival, it also serves as an artist development network which pioneers the next generation of artists.

“We are delighted to be working with our new team of Associate Artists who share the vision of Hartlepool Waterfront Festival.

“We love their work and we hope that by developing this collaboration, more local people will learn about what they do and will get involved in the arts.”

The newly appointed Waterfront Festival Associate Artists are:

Colly Metcalfe

Colly is a deaf performer, actress and writer based in the Tees Valley. She has an extensive background in physical theatre and improvisation and has been writing her own poetry and spoken word for the last three years.

Vicky Jackson/Jack of Hearts

Hartlepool-native Vicky Jackson, founder of Jack of Hearts, creates work which focuses on developing the art of storytelling, with a particular focus on Hartlepool stories. Jack of Hearts works with community groups for children, families, and young people by providing educational activities for groups.

Menstrual Rage Theatre

Fresh from the acting course at the Northern School of Art, Menstrual Rage Theatre is a feminist theatre company based in the North East which strives to explore issues that universally affect women by telling old and new stories in a fun, engaging way. It aims to create a safe, inclusive place which celebrates positivity and womanhood.

Lizzie Lovejoy                                                                                                   

Lizzie Lovejoy is a North East-based award-winning illustrator and writer who has dedicated their life to celebrating and exploring the culture and heritage of the local area. With every new project, Lizzie Lovejoy explores the heart and soul of this region and its communities, hearing, writing and visually interpreting their stories and histories.

Bettie Hope

Bettie Hope is a surface designer and all-round creative director. Their work focuses on rejecting the taboos we hold against our bodies and sexuality and mentality towards these by creating glitzy and funky fashion pieces, interior and furnishing accessories and also bespoke commissions.

 

This year’s Hartlepool Waterfront Festival, which is organised by Hartlepool Borough Council, is on the weekend of the 9th and 10th July with a packed programme of open-air performances, immersive experiences, family-friendly activities and art installations. For more information visit www.hartlepoolwaterfrontfestival.com