A vibrant new artwork exploring the concept of freedom is set to be unveiled in North Tyneside.
A River to Freedom was created to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and tap into the creativity of local people.
Local groups including Battle Hill Knit and Natter, Wallsend Art Group, and YMCA North Tyneside took part in a series of workshops, in which they explored what freedom means today. Inspired by the Simon Armitage poem ‘Freedom Road’, they learned lino print techniques, carving, and design to create individual artworks that reflect everything from the everyday joys of having a safe space or walking on the beach, to the broader sense of personal autonomy.
The artworks have now been combined into a single, striking textile, enhanced with embroidery by artist Amy Langdown in green, yellow, and blue, symbolising nature and our freedom to access the natural world.
The final artwork will be unveiled at a community celebration on Friday 14 November, featuring song, poetry, and prose.
Councillor Hannah Johnson, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: "A River to Freedom is a wonderful celebration of creativity and community spirit. It’s inspiring to see local people come together to explore what freedom means today and express their ideas through such beautiful and imaginative artworks. This project shows the power of art to connect people, share stories, and mark an important milestone in our history."
This North Tyneside project is part of “Our Freedom: Then and Now”, a £2 million UK-wide arts programme led by Future Arts Centres and supported by Arts Council England, Libraries Connected, and Open Eye Gallery. Across Britain, 60 arts centres and libraries are presenting community-led projects exploring the legacy of VE Day and VJ Day, giving artists, veterans, and residents the opportunity to reflect on past, present, and future freedoms through exhibitions, performances, and installations running from June to November 2025.