Working-class initiatives lead the way: this month’s creative industry news & exhibitions

The spotlight is on the North this month, with a £3.8m creative initiative launching in Tees Valley, Working Arts Club expanding to the North, and full-flash, saturated scenes of New Brighton from Martin Parr’s classic photobook The Last Resort on display at Bristol’s Martin Parr Foundation. From exhibitions to industry news, we’ve compiled the February highlights.

Creative Opps launches youth-led exhibition at Arts Against Knives

Opening on 20 March, the exhibition ‘Co:Lab’ brings together the work of nine emerging artists from the Creative Opps Membership Programme, spanning visual art, film, sound, writing, installation, participatory works and interactive digital experiences. Both personal and political, the works on display explore inclusion, belonging and community power. Creative access is central, with young creatives also involved in the curation, production and marketing.

Creative Opps gives young people who have faced socio-economic disadvantage access to the tools, networks and experience needed to achieve their ambitions. Explore the exhibition here.

Working Arts Club expands to the North

The class-focused arts network launches its northern chapter next month, bringing its peer-led events and talks to creatives outside of London. Social mobility in the arts is a systemic problem, and in one report on working-class arts participation across Greater Manchester, it was found that 51% of respondents had experienced class-based discrimination. The first event takes place in Manchester on 24 March, with further regional and online programming planned including a meet-up in Liverpool in April.

Register for their online event 'We're Going North' on 18 February or RSVP for the 24 March Northern England Launch.

Martin Parr Foundation reopens with 40-year anniversary show of The Last Resort

The Bristol-based foundation reopens on 20 February, with an exhibition of the late Martin Parr’s landmark seaside series, The Last Resort. The exhibition is a testament to the great photographer, who passed away at the end of last year, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the first edition of Parr’s iconic documentary photo book, shot around New Brighton between 1983 and 1985. ‘The pictures from The Last Resort still hold very well. When I get to the Pearly Gates, those are the ones I’d probably get out first!’ said the pioneering photographer.

Open from 20 February to 24 May at the Martin Parr Foundation, Bristol.

£3.8m Engine Room programme launches in Tees Valley

A new regional investment scheme aims to turn Tees Valley into a "powerhouse of creative production", funding studio and production spaces, commissions, art retreats, touring loans and a writers’ award across the North East. "This programme will showcase talent from Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool to the world and attract new creative businesses and talent to our region," said Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen. In a major win for northern creatives, £1.3 million was secured from Arts Council England – the largest single Place Partnership investment in the North to date.

Learn more about the initiative here.

D&AD appoints David Patton as CEO

The former Sony marketing executive takes up the role later this month, bringing experience across PlayStation and Sony Europe to one of the industry’s most influential creative bodies. “As the industry continues to evolve, D&AD will play a vital role in supporting talent and setting the standards that drive creative excellence forward,” said the new leader.

Read the full statement here.

And finally… Neil Buchanan is back making Big Art

The beloved 90s Müller Corner Original Rhubarb Crumble is making a comeback, and former Art Attack presenter Neil Buchanan has unveiled his first piece of ‘Big Art’ in 18 years to mark the occasion. It feels like we’re in a bit of a time loop – the 90s nostalgia is strong.