Rockpools is the new creative programme for the people of Hartlepool and will work with local communities – as residents will decide what activities are on offer. To make sure this happens, conversations with residents in Victoria, Seaton, and Rural West wards have been taking place all summer. The first opportunities for local people to get involved will happen in these areas from October.
Rockpools is now inviting anyone that lives or works in one of these areas to get in touch, which includes the villages of Elwick and Dalton Piercy in the Rural West ward. Anyone interested in connecting should contact info@rockpools.org or call 01429 858351. They would also love to hear from local community groups, organisations, businesses, schools and charities in these areas that they haven’t already connected with.
Rockpools has now launched their website, social media channels, and email list to make sure everyone from the local area can stay up to date on the project’s latest news. For the latest announcements, follow @RockpoolsHartlepool on Facebook and Instagram.
“We’re excited to see what Rockpools becomes – but it’s currently a blank page waiting to be designed by the people of Hartlepool.
Rockpools is for everyone – especially people who don’t consider themselves ‘arty’. There’ll be a huge variety of activities and we hope that people of all ages will find something to enjoy”, said Senior Delivery Manager, Christine Lee.
As well as activities in every neighbourhood, there will also be a town-wide celebration event in 2028.
‘Small Ships’ projects will work with communities who often face particular barriers to getting involved in arts and creative activities. Rockpools will work with charities and community organisations to increase access to activities.
Building on Hartlepool’s thriving creative scene – including its networks of skilled artists, strong maritime heritage, and now home to Northern TV and Film Studios – Rockpools will provide opportunities for thousands of people in Hartlepool to dip their toes in something new, including many people who are not currently engaging in arts and culture.
Anyone interested in the Rockpools programme can follow @RockpoolsHartlepool on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.rockpools.org for the latest updates.
Rockpools is part of Creative People and Places, which is a national programme funded by Arts Council England. The Hartlepool programme is overseen by a consortium consisting of: The Northern School of Art, Tees Valley Music Service, Thirteen, Thrive, and Hartlepool Sport. Rocks Pools is funded by Arts Council England, Tees Valley Combined Authority, Hartlepool Borough Council, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, PFC Trust, The Northern School of Art and Thirteen.