Great Exhibition of the North Opening Weekend: The Lineup
The Great Exhibition of the North is a free, summer-long celebration of the North of England's pioneering spirit. The country's biggest event in 2018, its programme is packed with exhibits, live performances, displays of innovation, new artworks and unforgettable experiences - all of which tell the story of the North of England through its innovators, artists, businesses and designers. This summer we're delighted to be featured on the exhibition's Design Trail and we have a packed programme of exhibitions, events and demos taking place across the opening weekend (22-24 June).
Browse our weekend lineup and find out more about what you can discover along the Design Trail...
The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair
Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 June
The Biscuit Factory - entrance via Bermondsey Street NE2 1AP
Free admission, open 10am - 5pm
We can't wait for this one! The award-winning Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair comes to Newcastle, with a new show at the Biscuit Factory, as part of the opening weekend of the Great Exhibition of the North. Open from 10am - 4pm on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June.
Buy and commission beautiful contemporary craft from 50 artists and designer-makers, all selected for innovation and excellence. From fine jewellery and fashion accessories to functional and statement pieces for the home, the work on sale encompasses ceramics, glass, wood, metal, textiles, jewellery, furniture, lighting, print and more. GNCCF Newcastle is a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists, watch them demonstrating their work and to chat to them about their practice.
Entry is FREE, however pre-register to be entered into a prize draw to win lunch for 2 The Factory Kitchen on the day of your visit > http://ow.ly/2HkO30kmD1E
design | innovate | craft
1 June - 28 August
The Biscuit Factory
Free admission, open daily
For this year's Great Exhibition of the North we present a mixed media exhibition celebrating innovation within contemporary craft by designer-makers from the North of England. Selected for their innovative use of materials, application, method or presentation, this exhibition showcases work for sale, across a range of disciplines including; furniture, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture and printmaking.
design | innovate | craft champions new approaches within the world of craft, presenting accessible pieces to live with or wear. A public programme of workshops, talks and seminars will support this exhibition, providing opportunities to learn, develop and engage with contemporary craft and design. View our workshop programme here >
Live Mural Painting: Dan Cimmermann
Sunday 24 June 10am - 5pm
The Biscuit Room, Boyd Street, NE2 1AP
Free, accessible at all times
Watch headline artist Dan Cimmermann as he paints a large scale mural of the northern inventor George Stephenson, part of his solo show of work throughout the summer at The Biscuit Factory and The Great Exhibition of the North. The mural will be on permanent public display on Boyd Street, Ouseburn (next door to The Biscuit Factory, outside The Biscuit Room events suite). Visitors are encouraged to view the work being painted live on Sunday 24 June from 10am - 5pm.
This event is part of the Inspired By: The Great Exhibition of the North programme. Find out more here.
Own Art: Collecting Original Art & Craft Talk
Saturday 23 June
The Biscuit Factory, 1 - 1.45pm
Please register for your FREE ticket here
Join Own Art representatives on the opening weekend of the Great Exhibition of the North as they show you how to discover new artists and makers, and take advantage of interest-free loans to buy the art and craft you love. Own Art makes buying art easy and affordable by letting you spread the cost of your purchase over 10 months with an interest free loan. Available on original pieces (paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, furniture, homewares and jewellery) priced from £100 - £25,000. Perfect for first time buyers or established collectors, looking to grow your collection.
They'll be looking at our design | innovate | craft show and sharing tips on developing and building your own art and craft collection, with an opportunity for questions with the team at the end.
Printmaking Demo with Shona Branigan
Saturday 23 June
The Biscuit Factory, 11am - 1pm
Free drop-in
Join printmaker Shona Branigan as she demonstrates and invites you to have a go at relief printing.
Shona's work is currently on show within our exhibition design | innovate | craft. Preview her collection here.
3D Ceramic Printing Demo with Joan & Jack Hardie
Saturday 23 June 2pm - 4pm & Sunday 24 June 11am - 1pm
The Biscuit Factory
Free, d rop-in
Join makers Joan and Jack Hardie, as part of the opening weekend for the Great Exhibition of the North, as they demonstrate 3d ceramic printing in the gallery.
Joan and Jack will reveal how they design and construct unusual ceramic forms using a specially built 3d printer and a clay extruder. After the live demostration there will be the opportunity to ask questions. If you are interested in innovation, design or craft, please drop in and find out more! Joan and Jack's work is currently on show within our exhibition design | innovate | craft. Preview their collection here.
Late Night Opening
Friday 22 June 10am - 8pm
The Biscuit Factory
Free admission
Opening day celebrations will offer your first chance to explore what’s going on at the Exhibition hubs and along the trails. We're staying open till 8pm allowing visitors to browse our new Summer Exhibition and design | innovate | craft, before having a wander through Ouseburn to view the rest of the Design Trail. Find out more about what's happening along the trail here.
Toast the Great Exhibition of the North at artisan
To celebrate the launch of the Great Exhibition of the North on Friday 22 June - dubbed England's biggest event in 2018 - everyone who dines in Artisan restaurant on the night can also explore The Biscuit Factory's new summer show and enjoy exclusive access to the venue's newly open rooftop terrace from 9pm to enjoy a complimentary glass of fizz.
Usually only open during the day - this a rare opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the Ouseburn valley from the terrace after dark.
Diners can choose from our prix fixe, a la carte or tasting menus, as well as our popular Fish Friday offer, with 2 mains and a bottle of wine priced at £35.
Please note - dining will take place in our restaurant and then guests can enjoy their fizz on the terrace afterwards. To pre-book a table contact info@artisannewcastle.com or call 0191 260 5411.
(Tasting menu must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Other T&Cs apply. Please check availability of our menus on our website.)
Planning your visit?
FIND US: 16 Stoddart Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1RL
We are 5 minutes walk from Manors Metro and major bus routes on High Bridge Street. On site and on street parking is available.
VIEW OUR VISITOR INFORMATION HERE >
DINE WITH US: The Factory Kitchen Cafe and artisan Restaurant