Reimagining Regional Policy through Creative Engagement

Reimagining Regional Policy through Creative Engagement is a free exhibition that brings people, policy and participatory art together to explore how creative approaches can help shape the future of regional decision-making.

Led by Teesside University’s Institute for Collective Place Leadership and created in partnership with Darlington Economic Campus and Creative Darlington, the exhibition shares work developed through a year-long series of hands-on workshops. These brought together policymakers, civil servants, local authorities and regional partners from across the North East, supported by funding from the UKRI Impact Accelerator Account and Creative Darlington.

Through creative activities like storytelling, mapping, drawing and visual prompts, participants explored how place, identity and lived experience influence the decisions that affect our region. The exhibition opens these conversations to everyone, offering new and accessible ways of thinking about regional identity and place-based growth.

Running from 2–8 March 2026 at Friends Community Hub in Darlington, the exhibition is open to all. Whether you’re a member of the public, a student, a creative, a policymaker or simply curious, you’re invited to explore the displays, reflect on the ideas and join the conversation about the future of the North East.

Themes include:

North East identity and civic pride

Inclusive and place-based policymaking

Working together across universities, government and communities

Creative ideas for the future of our region