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Reviving Utopian Dreams in Peterlee: A Community’s Artistic Renaissance

Decades have passed since the decline of the British coal industry, leaving towns like Peterlee in County Durham grappling with the aftermath. However, a glimmer of hope is emerging in this ‘left behind’ mining community, as grassroots creativity and public funding come together to breathe life back into the area. This resurgence reflects a profound narrative about the interconnectedness of art, community, and socio-economic revitalisation.

The Art Debate: Excellence vs. Access

Earlier this year, John Tusa, a former director at the Barbican, articulated a view of art as a continuum that encompasses everything from high-brow excellence to community-engaged practices. Arts Council Chief Executive Darren Henley countered this notion, arguing against the traditional hierarchical view of art that places excellence at the top and community access at the bottom. Henley emphasised that excellence and accessibility are not mutually exclusive, stating, “Talent is everywhere, opportunity is not.” His comments highlight the issue of cultural gatekeeping, which often dismisses community-based artistic efforts as inferior.

In Peterlee, the absence of funding for community engagement in the arts has left the local populace struggling for the scaffolding necessary to foster civic life. While it should not be the responsibility of arts funding to revive a town, the reality remains that such initiatives can play a pivotal role in rebuilding communities.

The Historical Context of Peterlee

Peterlee was established in 1948, coinciding with the inception of the National Health Service. It emerged as part of broader post-war development plans aimed at creating a welfare state that ensured access to essential services for all, regardless of socio-economic background. Designed as a thriving community for miners, Peterlee was the only new town created under the 1946 New Towns Act at the request of local residents rather than by government planners. It was envisioned as a space where productivity and people were in harmony.

Fast forward to the present, and Peterlee has been identified as one of 225 areas classified as ‘left behind’ due to economic decline and a lack of social infrastructure. The town’s most notable feature is Lee House, a derelict building with a clock stuck at ten past two, serving as a symbol of the community’s stagnation. The Castle Dene shopping centre, nearly deserted, contributes to one of the highest vacancy rates in the county.

Transforming Empty Spaces into Artistic Hubs

Recently, however, the empty units in Castle Dene have been reimagined as vibrant arts and events spaces. An early example of this transformation was a gig held in the defunct Shoe Zone in November 2023, organised by the experimental cassette label Industrial Coast as part of a pilot initiative called Place Lab. This event inspired local musicians, including members of the band Marginal Gains, to explore similar opportunities.

In collaboration with Carlo Viglianisi, director of Building Cultures, the community found new ways to engage with their heritage and environment. A second wave of funding enabled local creatives to organise events that showcased the spirit of Peterlee. On 10 August 2024, the event “Life Just Bounces” was launched, embodying the hopes and aspirations of the community.

A Celebration of Local Talent

Through the support of Building Cultures, access to empty town centre units was secured, albeit with challenges. Teaming up with fellow musician Thomas, the duo reached out to local venue owners and successfully secured Peterlee Central Club, which had been closed since the early 1980s. This once-thriving bar and dance hall became a symbol of lost potential, now revived for creative expression.

During the event, photographer Andy Martin set up a portrait studio, capturing the essence of the community, while the venue buzzed with art, poetry, music, and film. The day featured live readings, archival footage, and a lineup of local musical talent, further solidifying the event as a celebration of Peterlee’s cultural identity.

Engaging the Community: The Importance of Grassroots Initiatives

The success of “Life Just Bounces” was largely due to its grassroots nature, showcasing new and emerging local artists alongside seasoned creatives. The event displayed works from various local artists, including students and hobbyists, ensuring that voices from all walks of life were represented. This inclusivity was made possible through the support of No More Nowt, one of the Arts Council’s Creative People & Places projects based in Peterlee.

The atmosphere during the event was electric, with attendees spanning generations, sharing laughter and tears. It was a testament to the community’s resilience and the power of collaboration in the arts. Events like this are crucial, not only for celebrating creativity but also for highlighting what Peterlee has lost and what is still missing.

The Path Forward: Rebuilding Civic Life in Peterlee

While the creative initiatives taking place in Peterlee are a source of joy, they also underscore the urgent need for a more permanent civic infrastructure. The buildings that host these events should not remain dormant for most of the time; they must be re-integrated into the community’s fabric.

Commitment to community engagement is essential to fostering connections and ensuring events like “Life Just Bounces” continue to flourish. As Tusa’s comments suggest, there’s a disconnect between the realities of community engagement and the perceptions of those distanced from it. Excellence is not confined to metropolitan areas; it thrives in collaborative, DIY settings and is most vibrant when nurtured from the grassroots up.

Ultimately, initiatives like those seen in Peterlee should not merely serve as a compensatory measure for the shortcomings of larger civic structures. They must be supported by robust infrastructure to enable communities to rebuild and thrive. Only then can towns like Peterlee hope to move beyond their current stagnation and rediscover the vibrancy of civic life.