The Forge

The Forge is a participatory art commissioning and producing agency that creates high quality, innovative arts projects with, by and for young people and their communities. We create courageous, contemporary and excellent participatory arts projects that inspire children and young people to become successful, confident individuals capable of reaching their full potential. Our work encompasses exhibitions, concerts, performances, discussion events, films, public art works and publications.            

We are based in Stanley, County Durham and much of our pioneering participatory work takes place in and around the former colliery villages of the area. Our increasing national and international profile in turn enriches our work within this region.

The Forge is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Since being established in 2001, we have developed a specialism in working with children and young people in formal education settings. In recent years, we have developed a relationship with the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, which is a good fit for our commitment to working with children and young people who have experienced systemic inequality and disadvantage, supporting them to thrive through engagement with high quality, arts-based learning.

Find out more about The Forge here