Rockpools is a new arts and cultural programme, working across Hartlepool to bring more arts, culture, and creative experiences to the town, shaped by our communities.

What creative activities would you like to see in Hartlepool?

We’d like to chat to you! Everything we deliver will be shaped by the communities of Hartlepool. We are starting conversations with residents. We’re popping up at events, festivals, and community hubs to give everyone a chance to share their ideas! We’re also meeting with local organisations, businesses, community groups, and charities to find out what amazing activities are already happening in the town.

We want everyone in Hartlepool to be a part of Rockpools – people of every age and background, whether or not you think you’re an ‘arty’ person!

How does it work?

Our work will approach each of Hartlepool’s 12 wards individually, as well as delivering town-wide events over the next three years. In 2026, we are focusing on Rural West, Seaton, and Victoria.

If you live or work within these areas, we’d love to hear from you! Over the next 3 years, we’ll be working within each ward of Hartlepool for at least 6 months at a time.

What type of activity will we offer?

We just don’t know yet!

Everything Rockpools delivers will be shaped by, and co-designed with, Hartlepool’s communities. That means at this stage in the project we can’t give a solid answer about the type of activity we’ll be delivering…yet.

But they could include:

• Workshops
• Performances
• Outdoor events
• Public art installations
• Anything else you can think of!

How will we decide?

There will be lots of different ways for everyone to have their say.

We know we won’t be able to do everything, but we are ambitious! We’re aiming to include as many people as possible in the way we shape ideas and make decisions. Hartlepool’s communities will generate ideas, vote for their favourite options, select artists, and even play a leading role in the creation of the events and projects.

If you would like to find out more about how you can be involved, please get in touch by emailing info@rockpools.org

Small Ships

Hartlepool already has a rich culture of creativity. With artists, performers, photographers, musicians, and many other types of creative already living and working in the town. However, we are also aware that many people face barriers when it comes to getting involved with arts and creativity.

‘Small Ships’ is a strand of the Rockpools programme that focuses on working with people whose daily circumstances prevent them from engaging in arts and cultural activities. If you or a loved one has faced any barriers like this, we’d love to hear your story. Please email us via info@rockpools.org or call 01429 858351.

Artist development and upskilling

Our main focus is co-creation with the communities of Hartlepool. However, we recognise that Hartlepool already has a collection of amazing artists working regionally. Over the next three years, we will work with local artists to host skills development workshops, networking events, and peer learning sessions to support artists and creative practitioners in Hartlepool.

Big Splash

In 2028, we will host a town-wide celebration. Right now, we don’t know what this will look like. But we do know it will be shaped by the projects and conversations we have had with people across Hartlepool.