Community Action Day – 14 September 2025
The WE SHALL BE programme isn’t just about creating new artworks – it’s also about taking action to improve how Middlesbrough looks and feels.
Our first Community Action Day brought people together to refresh the Historic Quarter. Volunteers filled bags of rubbish, cleaned and weeded planters in Exchange Square, and worked alongside Middlesbrough Council, STACK and TransPennine Express, to clean and repaint public spaces. These collective efforts transformed how the area looked and reminded everyone that this is a place worth taking pride in.
Each refreshed planter, repainted railing and cleaned footpath is a visible sign that we care about our town. Small, practical changes like these completely shift how people experience Middlesbrough the moment they arrive – making it more welcoming for visitors and helping residents feel proud of where they live.
This hands-on work complements the new public artworks appearing across the town. Together, they raise the standard of Middlesbrough’s public spaces and build a shared belief that the town can keep getting better.
By working together, we can continue to build momentum and keep improving Middlesbrough’s gateways and public spaces for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who took part and supported our efforts.