Skimstone Arts, a Newcastle-based charity, is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated Unity Festival for its fourth year. Co-created with diverse community groups across the North East, this festival celebrates creativity, diversity, and social action, bringing together artists and audiences for a rich programme of performances and exhibitions.
The festival will take place at two iconic venues: Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne and Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar. The festival will take place in the Great North Museum from 18-20 October and in Kirkleatham Museum between 26 and 27October.
The theme of the festival
This year’s theme, Hidden World, invites festival goers to explore the often-overlooked aspects of humanity and nature. From hidden voices within our communities to the unseen wonders of the natural world, the festival will take attendees on a journey filled with hope, discovery and connection.
Claire Webster Saaremets, Artistic Director of Skimstone Arts said:
“Unity Festival 2024 will build on the successes of previous years, providing opportunities for people from all walks of life to come together and be part of a creative community. We will explore what we want to say about humanity and the natural world through music, performance, and exhibitions while considering how we can make a difference.”
The talent to appear in Unity
Featured artists include opera singer and performer Katie Oswell as Harkling, Kenyan musician and performer Rapasa Nyatrapasa Otieno, Ghanaian musician and performer Nii Kwarty Owoo, and Turkish sand artist Bilal Kose each commissioned to create exciting, original work specifically for the festival.
Also taking centre stage are Skimstone Arts’ dynamic bands, including Reality Boots, featuring talented young people aged 16-25, The Upstartz, composed of members from St Anthony’s Day Centre in Walker and Shirley & the Gang, a group of individuals with lived refugee experiences from Stockton-on-Tees. These performers will present powerful original works that challenge perceptions and celebrate diverse voices.
Exhibitions
Visitors can also explore exhibitions such as the Tree of Manifestation by the Ukrainian community based in the North East and Temporal; Visitations; Dwelling Place by Iraqi Kurdish photographer Shaho Omar which reflect the festival’s commitment to giving voice to those who might otherwise remain unheard.
The ideals of the festival
Unity Festival is not only a celebration of creativity but also a means of empowering communities by providing artistic and production training opportunities, with a focus on those from marginalised or underrepresented groups.
The co-creation process has been integral to shaping a festival that resonates with and reflects the lived experiences of its participants. Through collaboration with partners such as the Great North Museum: Hancock and Kirkleatham Museum, Unity Festival ‘24 will draw in new audiences and participants, building a legacy with the communities it serves. “We all need this Unity Festival!” says performer Nii Kwarty Owoo, underscoring the festival’s importance as a platform for diverse voices.
Event information:
The event is brought to everyone free of entry thanks to Skimstone Arts and all their partners.
Event dates and location
18-20 October 2024 at Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle upon Tyne
26-27 October 2024 at Kirkleatham Museum, Redcar
For more information on Unity Festival 2024, please visit the Skimstone Arts homepage.
CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO OUR CROWDFUNDER
HELP US BECOME STRONGER SO THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO DELIVER POWERFUL CITIZEN JOURNALISM!
