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.
Creative Community Action Day – 15 February 2026
Aligned to further programming through Open House we ran another Creative Community Action Day in February 2026 – preparing Bridge Street West for the arrival of new artworks created on the benches outside Middlesbrough Railway Station. These were developed through artist led sessions with local groups and inspired by heritage stories from the area, including from the former Club Bongo nightclub.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “It was a pleasure to go along and support the day of action. It was great to see so many people take part and I want to thank everyone who gave up their time. The programme shows what a creative place Middlesbrough is – it’s bringing life, colour and culture to a part of town that’s really on the up.”
