海角直播

Celebrating stories, culture and belonging in Darlington

A new exhibition which opened in Darlington this week is inviting visitors to explore what makes a place feel like home, through the voices, experiences and creative practices of residents of the town.

Connected Communities: Stories and Cultural Practices in Darlington, presented by the Institute for Collective Place Leadership at 海角直播, runs until 3 January 2027 at Hopetown Darlington. The exhibition asks what makes a place feel like home? Is it the people we meet, the stories we share, or the traditions we carry with us?

It celebrates the cultural experiences of refugees, migrants and local residents, exploring how everyday traditions, memories and shared creative activities can strengthen connections and foster a sense of belonging.

Darlington has long been shaped by the people who live, work and build their lives in the town. From its railway heritage and industrial history to the diverse communities contributing to the town today, its identity continues to evolve.

Connected Communities brings some of these experiences to life through film, textiles, storytelling and creative work developed with local communities.

At the heart of the exhibition are personal reflections on home, migration, friendship, cultural exchange and everyday life.

The exhibition has emerged from a year-long participatory arts and research project led by Professor Azadeh Fatehrad, Professor of Art and Public Policy at 海角直播, in collaboration with community and cultural partners across Darlington.

Through creative workshops, storytelling and shared cultural activities, the project has brought together refugees, migrants and local residents to explore how cultural participation can strengthen social connections and create opportunities for exchange.

Professor Azadeh Fatehrad said: 'Connected Communities is about recognising that the identity of a place is shaped not only by its history and buildings, but also by the people who live there, the traditions they carry and the relationships they create.

'Through this project, we have worked with communities to explore how storytelling, creativity and shared cultural experiences can bring people together. The exhibition celebrates these contributions and invites us to think about belonging as something we build collectively.'

Hosting Connected Communities at Hopetown creates an opportunity to connect Darlington's remarkable heritage with the experiences of the people shaping its present and future.

Councillor Stephen Harker, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: 'This exhibition is a reflection of the diverse people and communities that make Darlington such a great place to live, work and visit.

'Our rich history is made up of the experiences of residents from many different backgrounds, and this exhibition is a chance to find out more about them and celebrate the positive contribution they make to our borough.'

Stephen Wiper, Creative Darlington Manager, added: 'Our vision is that Darlington will be a place in 2026 and beyond where culture enriches lives, involves people and is central to identity and prosperity.

'The Creative Darlington programme budget support for the Connected Communities project, alongside support from other sources, has enabled people to enjoy and share creative activity together.'