Residents asked for Kibblesworth memories.
Residents in a south Gateshead village are being asked for their life memories for an art project being planned in the area.
Residents of Kibblesworth, where almost £14m of new homes are currently being built, are being asked for any special memories, as well as skills they could share or swap with others.
The ‘Insider Art’ project, which is supported by Keelman Homes – a subsidiary of The Gateshead Housing Company, Gateshead Council and site-constructors Keepmoat, will lead to a number of new artworks being installed on the estate.
Over the coming months, Gateshead-based art group rednile will be working in the village to deliver a programme of activities to groups and individuals of all ages.
Residents offering up their own skills will then work with professional artists to get other local residents involved in the project.
As well as art across the village, there are also plans for open spaces and play areas for residents of all ages to enjoy as part of the regeneration of the village.
Bill Fullen, Chief Executive of The Gateshead Housing Company, said: “As well as being involved in this major programme of new homes being built we are also committed to improving entire estates.
“We are hoping that as many residents as possible will give their memories and thoughts about Kibblesworth to create art and open spaces to span the generations.”
David Mellor, Managing Director of community regeneration specialist Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East, part of the Keepmoat Group, said: “This project will really help capture how people feel about the area.
“The art will bring to life people’s memories and be there for everyone in the community to share.
“This development is about much more than building new homes, it is about improving estates. This arts project is just one way of improving the communities the people live in.”
The scheme, supported by the Homes and Communities Agency and Gateshead Council, will eventually create 81 affordable new homes to rent, plus 54 for sale.
Thirteen homes will also be offered for ‘intermediate rent’ – a unique and flexible way for first-time buyers to get on the housing ladder.
Photograph above: Suzanne Hutton, right, of rednile talks to Kibblesworth residents about plans for art in the village.
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