East Durham Trust (EDT), supported by County Durham Community Foundation are looking to put an end young people suggesting that there was a lack of local events and that the only way to engage in arts activity was to travel outside of the area.
Known as No More Nowt Happens, this project involves young people planning and staging events in local venues such as community centres over the next year.

Trust chief executive Malcolm Fallow said: “We are looking to recruit a team of local young people who are prepared to get involved in staging events, whether it is an arts exhibition or a music gig, we want to see things happening that would normally be staged in our own backyard.”

Margaret Vaughan of the County Durham Community Foundation, who have provided funding for the project , said: “We are delighted to support a project that will hopefully ensure that young people can make a positive contribution to their own community and no doubt have a great time in the process.”

​Want to learn more about No More Nowt Happens or the upcoming events? Contact Jess, Megan or Emma on 0191 5693511

​Events so far...

Mary Turner's 'Dispossessed' at Trimdon Station Community Centre
30th November- 3rd December 2018

A team of young people from Trimdon Station Community centre worked with award winning photographer Mary Turner, to stage an exhibition of her body of work 'Dispossessed' which featured local people and landscapes. The young people planned, marketed and curated the exhibition themselves, including organising family activities to help engage people. Over the week of the exhibition, they received over 200 visitors!

Barrels of Laughter Comedy Club at Seaham Masonic Hall
​16th December 2018 

A group of young people from Creative Youth opportunities worked with professional comedian Matt Reed to put on a comedy night at Seaham Masonic Hall. Alongside Matt, the night included comedians Simon Lomas (winner of Petfringe Comedian of the Year 2018 ), Louise Young (2017 Funny Woman finalist) and Gavin Webster who has appeared on  shows like 'Nevermind the Buzzcocks'. The event was a huge success with the audience of over 70 people kept laughing all night. The young people are now planning ways that they can continue the comedy club and make a regular event. 

Still to Come...

Barry Hyde and supporting acts at Dawdon Youth and Community Centre
1st February 2019
​
Organised by a group of young people from Dawdon Youth Hub, Barry Hyde from acclaimed band The Future Heads will be singing some of the band's most iconic songs at this intimate gig. He will be supported by Tom 'Mouse' Smith, an up and coming young singing prodigy and an amazing line up of local music talents : Shaun Cross, Georgina Percival, The Wish and Seaham Music Academy. Buy your tickets at Dawdon Youth and Community Centre for only £2.00 or online at Music Glue for £5.00 and enjoy an amazing evening of music and delicious food. Under 12's to be accompanied by an adult.
 All proceeds from sales will support children and young people's mental health initiatives in Seaham.

Buy your tickets here

​Spoken Word with Jess Green, at Blackhall Community Centre
26th February 2019 
Acclaimed spoken word artist Jess Green is working with a group of young people from Wellfield School to stage a poetry night at Blackhall Community Centre which will feature performances from artists Rowan McCabe, Lisette Auton and Tony Gadd as well as the students themselves. 

Tickets are just £3

Buy your tickets here

Jason Wilsher-Mills Exhibition with East Durham College at Shotton Community Centre
8th- 15th February 2019 11am-1pm

Young people from East Durham College worked with 
renowned digital artist Jason Wilsher-Mills to produce self-portraits on iPads which they will show alongside a piece of hiswork at Shotton Community Centre. Jason Wilsher-Mills has exhibited in galleries around the world and alongside Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry. Many of the group visited his exhibition last year as part of Hull City of Culture. Entry is free and all are welcome!