It’s time to Play Out at Hartlepool Art Gallery
Written by Adam McLean

This week at the Gallery, local group Play Out Hartlepool came to visit, and they brought with them a fun-filled arts and crafts workshop and plenty of activities. Play Out Hartlepool are a Teesside organisation who offer free sessions to children and families with the goal of encouraging play away from screens and engaging children with sensory toys and art. Their focus is to improve mental health and well-being in children and allow them to let off some steam, whether that’s bouncing around or creating their own glittery animal. You could feel their impact on The Gallery as soon as you entered, and could see the laughter and joy brimming from every child, and it’s groups like this which The Gallery prides itself on having connections with.

 

The events are completely free, and all you need to do to secure a spot is book through Eventbrite, which can be found on their website Playoutnortheast.co.uk or on their Facebook page, Play Out Hartlepool CIC.

 

The event held at the gallery was inspired by the local fishing culture of Hartlepool and encouraged children to create their own fish, which could then be displayed or could swim home with them afterwards. Yellow paper, blue paper, red paper, and all the sparkles and sequins you could think of, they had it all. The amount of creativity and passion that was being poured into these fish was inspiring, and the organisers of the event were welcoming and enthusiastic, perfect for those who may feel a little overwhelmed or shy.

Over to our children’s play space, there was a selection of toys and activities, which ranged from a sand-pit to some fantastic toys and items. There were even some seashells hidden in one corner, perfect for feeling the ridges and patterns on them or shaking them around and listening to the rattles of the ocean carried deep within. There was no rush, no time limit, no stress. This was a relaxing, safe space for parents and kids to feel welcomed and to unleash their creativity.

One of the organisers gave us a quote about Play Out Hartlepool touching upon its importance and why The Gallery is an important part of the community.

“Playing is really important, and it’s important for everyone. We really want to promote playing out for everyone in Hartlepool, for all the benefits it brings. The Gallery is really important because it’s a free space for people to use and it’s a place where everyone has access.” – Darcey Dawson

 

 The Gallery continues to be a welcoming space for everyone in Hartlepool, and it’s through events like this that we are able to open our arms and invite everyone in. We encourage you to come along and find out what other events we have on and to keep an eye out for any future events held by Play Out Hartlepool, who are back over the half-term and summer with some more exciting workshops.