Middlesbrough Art Week returns for its 7th edition and ‘Summat for the Bairns’ is back for another week of free, creative and playful workshops for the little ones.

Introducing an exciting lineup of free activities designed to inspire and engage children in the world of art.

Fun, FREE, creative and playful drop-in workshops for the whole family We have been growing an exhibition! Come along and discover what has been ‘growing on’ in the creative hub and take part in activities inspired by the themes and artists of this year’s MAW. You’ll find multiple workshop stations where kids of all ages can get creative using drawing, sculpture and design techniques. We will explore what the future might be like… What might grow? What might we discover? What new technologies might be invented? What might we take from our now to shape the world to come? Where will your imagination take you? Suitable for all ages

Pineapple Black, Hillstreet Shopping Centre (Primark entrance)
Middlesbrough, TS1 1TA
Sat 28, Sun 29 Sept & Sat 5 Oct 10am-4pm

Grow the Future Seed Share

Design your own wildflower seed packet and use it to take home some of the seeds from the MAW meadow. The special seed mix has been grown across the town and now you can be part of spreading the next batch of seeds by sewing them yourself! Plant your seeds at home and watch them come to life next spring. The seed mix is great for pollinators - the bees and butterflies will thank you!

What do you want to shout about?

Make a mini ‘protest’ banner to shout about the things that are important to you! Think about the things you want to change in the now to make the future better. What can we do to make the world a safer, healthier and happier place?

Is it a bird, is it a plane?

Design and make wings! Use your imagination to design and construct wings…these could be for you, for a new invention or a new way to travel. Inspired by the work of Mattew Young and Henna Asikainen, take time to wonder where you would fly to if you were free to travel wherever you wanted and let your ideas take flight!

Massive Meadow Mural

Grow an imaginary landscape with paint! Inspired by the meadow, we invite you to make your mark on giant canvases. The painting will ‘grow’ and change each day as more and more visitors take up their brushes. Be prepared to get messy!

Creatures of the Future

Using collage, drawing and your imagination consider how creatures of all kinds may evolve and change over time. Taking inspiration from the work of MAW artists Amy Dover, Katie Young and Mark Bletcher, think about creatures (real, mythical or now extinct) and what animals will exist in future times? Consider too how humans might evolve given their relationship to technology…what strange creatures might we become?