Receiving the £10,000 bursary would be transformative for my artistic practice, allowing me to significantly expand my current explorations and achieve ambitious new goals in the North East.
Firstly, a substantial portion of the funding would be dedicated to acquiring and experimenting with more artistic methods of printing. This would move beyond my current capabilities, enabling me to delve into processes such as screen printing, risograph, or even exploring alternative photographic printing techniques. These methods offer richer textures, vibrant colours, and unique aesthetic qualities that are essential for expressing the nuanced themes within my work. This directly addresses the need for more creative outputs, allowing for a broader and more impactful visual language.
Secondly, the bursary would be instrumental in furthering my exploration of queer identity, outsider art, and neurodiversity. These are deeply personal and interconnected themes within my practice, and the funding would allow for dedicated time and resources to delve deeper into research and conceptual development. As someone who belongs to the diaspora, this is particularly pertinent. The bursary would uniquely afford me the time to conduct in-depth research into hidden heritage in the North East, uncovering narratives and visual cultures that resonate with my own experiences of displacement and identity. This research would directly inform and enrich the artistic outputs, allowing for a more authentic and informed portrayal of these themes.
Finally, the bursary would support the production of more ambitious and diverse creative outputs. This could include larger-scale prints, zines, artist books, or even small-scale installations that allow for a more immersive engagement with the audience. I am hoping to achieve a significant leap in the quality and scope of my work, leading to exhibitions, collaborations, and a more robust portfolio that showcases my unique artistic voice. Ultimately, this award would provide the crucial financial freedom to dedicate myself fully to my practice, experiment without limitations, and bring my artistic vision to a wider audience.
This work would profoundly expand and enhance the creative arts in Darlington by forging vital connections between historical heritage, contemporary artistic practice, and community engagement. Here’s how:
Firstly, by specifically utilising historic posters, programmes, playbills, letters, and postcards – many of which are rare and previously unseen from the Darlington Hippodrome and were held at the Crown Street Library – I would be bringing these invaluable archival materials to life. This isn’t just about display; it’s about reinterpreting and reimagining these documents through my artistic methods of printing. This would offer a fresh, visually compelling perspective on Darlington’s cultural past, showcasing the rich history of the Hippodrome in a way that transcends mere historical record. It would spark curiosity and appreciation for the town’s artistic legacy, moving beyond traditional exhibition formats to create dynamic and aesthetically engaging outputs.
Secondly, holding social art-based workshops within the Darlington Hippodrome venue itself would create an immersive and participatory experience. By inviting people to share their heritage and experiences, these workshops would transform passive viewing into active co-creation. This is crucial for expanding the creative arts, as it empowers local residents to contribute their own narratives and interpretations, fostering a sense of ownership and connection to Darlington’s history and future. The workshops would become a hub for intergenerational dialogue and exchange, where personal stories intertwine with the broader historical context of the Hippodrome and the town.
Furthermore, the focus on outsider art and neurodiversity within my practice, when combined with the exploration of historical archives, offers a unique lens through which to view Darlington’s past. This could uncover hidden histories, overlooked voices, and alternative perspectives that might not be highlighted in conventional historical accounts. By bringing these to the forefront through creative expression, the project would broaden the definition of “art” in Darlington, promoting inclusivity and celebrating diverse forms of creativity.
Finally, as someone from the diaspora, my research into hidden heritage in the North East, particularly within the Darlington context, would add a vital layer of depth. It allows for an examination of how migration, identity, and cultural exchange have shaped the town’s artistic landscape, providing new narratives and challenging existing ones. This perspective would enrich the local artistic discourse and connect Darlington’s heritage to broader global narratives, fostering a more nuanced and expansive understanding of its cultural identity. I have previously worked in the area with GemArts holding community based workshops.
In essence, this project would not merely exhibit historical artefacts; it would reactivate them through artistic intervention and community participation, breathing new life into Darlington’s rich cultural heritage and inspiring new creative expressions for the town’s future.
I’m a Multidisciplinary artist from the North East of England. My illustrations and murals are inspired by heritage, hidden histories and the power of nature. My socially engaged workshops focus on building bridges between diverse communities, exploring heritage and fostering connections. Through this work, I am to create a rich tapestry that intricately weaves together culture, identity, and well-being. I have exhibited at Baltic, Spilt Milk Gallery and M K Gallery. I often work leading workshops with Baltic, GemArts and various different organisations
Photography and Film BA Hons (Edinburgh Napier University)
Have led projects such as the Yountiy Mural with Creative Central NCL, Home mural project with Shelter, Bloom mural at Strawberry lane.
I have been commissioned by e.g. NHS Foundation Hospitals, BALTIC, Gateshead Archives, Northern Pride and Wild in Art.
Durham University Art Collection
AXIS – https://axisweb.org/blog/barriers-and-ethnic-representation
Durham University Bishop Cosin’s Residency 2020-2021
Email: sofiabarton0@gmail.com
Address: 63 Chelford Close, Hadrian Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE28 9YE, GB
Local Authority: North Tyneside
