Heart and Soul
A celebration of a year-long residency at Berwick Academy.
A year of creativity, collaboration and artistic discovery comes to life in Heart and Soul, a new exhibition by artist Martha Ellis created during her residency at Berwick Academy.
Over the past academic year, Martha has worked closely with students and staff as the school’s first Artist in Residence, creating opportunities for young people to explore creativity beyond the classroom through artist-led workshops, enrichment activities and collaborative projects.
Known for her intricate cut-out drawings and sculptural works inspired by landscape, architecture and place, Martha’s distinctive practice combines detailed observation with layered forms that play with light, shadow and space. Throughout the residency, students have been introduced to her creative processes while developing confidence, new skills and a deeper connection with contemporary art.
Alongside working with students, Martha has developed a new body of work responding to her time within the Academy and the wider Berwick community.
Reflecting on the residency, Martha said:
“I have absolutely loved my time working with Berwick Academy and the Maltings. The opportunity to work with students and see their creativity grow alongside the freedom to make my own work has been liberating and joyful. I hope the legacy of Art Club continues well past my departure at the end of the academic year.”
Heart and Soul brings together works created during Martha’s residency, capturing moments, memories and observations from her time within the Academy community. The exhibition celebrates creativity, connection and the lasting impact of bringing artists and young people together.
Maltings at Hide Hill is a new Cultural Resource Hub made possible by funding from Create Berwick, the Culture and Creative Zone (CCZ) funded by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Northumberland County Council to support the growth of the cultural and creative industries in Berwick-upon-Tweed.
The Living Barracks Project aims to restore and renew the historic Berwick Barracks site’s pivotal role as a central part of the town’s social and cultural life.
During the renovation, an art-led public engagement programme named Berwick Shines, led by the Maltings (Berwick) Trust, invites artists to explore and respond to the extensive heritage collections of the Barracks, the town, and what Berwick and its barracks has been, will be and could become, in partnership with the people of Berwick.
The Living Barracks Project is an exciting collaboration between Berwick Barracks Heritage Trust (BBHT), English Heritage, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Association (KOSB), Maltings (Berwick) Trust and Northumberland County Council and proudly supported by The Arts Council England’s Cultural Development Fund (CDF), The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Northumberland County Council and other generous supporters.
The Cultural Development Fund is a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) fund administered by Arts Council England.