A new exhibition titled 'Resilience' has opened at Hartlepool Art Gallery, running until July 4, 2025. Featuring 50 artists with ties to Hartlepool, selected through an open call, the show explores themes of personal survival, psychological recovery, community bonds, and overcoming barriers, inspired by the 100th anniversary of the General Strike. Visitors can vote for their favorite artwork from a shortlist of five artists, with the winner receiving a future solo exhibition at the gallery. A companion show, 'Hartlepool’s Resilience,' curated by museum service volunteers, displays objects from the borough council’s collection highlighting local spirit.
This exhibition matters because it actively engages the public in shaping the gallery’s programming through a voting mechanism, fostering community ownership and participation. It also highlights the role of local volunteers in curating historical narratives, reinforcing Hartlepool’s cultural identity and resilience. By celebrating regional talent and inviting direct audience input, the show models a participatory approach that could influence how smaller municipal galleries connect with their communities.