Northumberland Coast Nature Calling community day

Funded by Arts Council England and Defra, its aim is to connect communities with protected landscapes and amplify new voices, culminating in a season of art running until October. National Landscapes throughout England are participating in the programme with a variety of exciting projects.

The Northumberland Coast’s Nature Calling project is called Creative Coastal Connections. Produced by North East arts organisation GemArts, with the support of lead artist Benji Spence and three emerging artists, there have been several elements to this project so far.

In May, the National Landscape team welcomed GemArts Learning and Participation Manager Lily Daniels and artists Benji, Karanjot, Palak and Hesam to Alnmouth on the Northumberland Coast for a day of exploration. Lily and the artists shared their thoughts about barriers to access and the importance of feeling a connection to nature. After fish and chips in the sunshine, we all looked at the local wildlife and dipped our toes in the sea together.

Upon their return to Newcastle, Benji, Karanjot, Palak and Hesam discussed these themes with culturally diverse community groups hosted by GemArts at Gateshead.  A variety of sessions were then held in Gateshead focused on nature, connection and creativity, including art workshops, yoga and Bollywood dancing. During this time, the Northumberland Coast team visited GemArts to partake in a session and get to know people in one of the community groups.

The connections developed during the initial stages of the project culminated in a celebratory day at Alnmouth.  People from the communities that GemArts supports were invited and 70 guests ranging from 8 to 80 years old arrived on the day. Food, drink and transport was provided and activities included Bollywood dancing on the beach, nature bingo and a wind-down yoga session.

One participant shared: "I've had a lovely day; it was so healing and relaxing."

Photographer Saya Rose Naruse joined the event and created beautiful images as a memento. Feedback from the people who came is testament to the importance of this special day. For some visitors, this was their first time at a beach.

Participant Ziba said: “I really enjoyed your trip, the photographer took some great photos for us, you were very kind and patient, my kids have never experienced travelling in Newcastle before, and this trip was exciting for them.”

Aram added: “I felt really good and found peace, and I was able to spend a wonderful day with you and my friends. It was a new feeling for me. And I got to know more people, and I was able to be part of the group and enjoy it.”

Zeinab shared: “Good days become memories; bad days become lessons. Going to the beach was a good day that created both memories and happiness.”

Lead artist Benji is now working on a piece of art to reflect participants’ perception of nature and the Northumberland Coast National Landscape through a map of the area.