Heart and Soul: Exhibition Celebrates Transformative Year-Long Residency at Berwick Academy
A powerful new exhibition by artist Martha Ellis will open at Maltings at Hide Hill this week, marking the culmination of a pioneering year-long residency at Berwick Academy.
Heart and Soul brings together a new body of work created during Martha's time embedded within the school community, alongside artwork created by Berwick Academy students throughout the residency. Capturing moments, memories and observations gathered over the past academic year, the exhibition offers visitors a unique insight into a creative partnership that has connected art, education and community. The exhibition runs until 2 July.
The residency, delivered through Berwick Shines as part of the wider Living Barracks engagement programme, saw Martha work closely with pupils, teachers and the wider school community. Together they explored the heritage of Berwick-upon-Tweed, developed new creative skills and created artwork that will remain at the school as a lasting legacy.
Martha Ellis said: "Working with the students and staff at Berwick Academy has been a privilege. Over the past year I've had the opportunity to become part of the school community, learning from the people and stories that make it unique. Heart and Soul reflects those experiences and celebrates the creativity, curiosity and generosity I encountered throughout the residency."
As the exhibition opens, Martha's work with the town is set to continue. Building on the relationships developed during the residency, she is now collaborating with Berwick Academy students and Berwick Town Council on an ambitious project to reimagine the Quayside Huts. The initiative will explore how the huts can evolve from simple structures into vibrant, engaging market stalls that better reflect Berwick's creativity, heritage and community spirit.
Lucy Vaughan, Head of Creative Engagement at The Maltings (Berwick) Trust, said: "This residency marks an important milestone in the relationship between the Maltings (Berwick) Trust and Berwick Academy. As an arts organisation we are committed to providing the best artistic experiences possible for the town's young people and we are delighted to have forged such a positive relationship with the Academy this year. Heart and Soul celebrates a remarkable year of creativity, collaboration and connection at Berwick Academy. Martha's residency has had a lasting impact on students and staff, and it's exciting to see that work continue beyond the classroom through new projects that will further contribute to Berwick's cultural life."
Heart and Soul is free to visit and open from 11am–3pm at Maltings at Hide Hill, Berwick-upon-Tweed, until 2 July (check Maltings website for opening days).
For more information visit The Maltings