For arts and culture to be truly inclusive, it is important to challenge preconceptions of what it means to be a creative. In County Durham, work is well underway.

For Alison White, watching the performances at IncludFEST this month was an emotional experience. Not only was it the first live entertainment she and her family had enjoyed since the start of the pandemic, but she had the pleasure of seeing her son Joseph at his happiest. Joseph, 25, was among the talented performers dancing at this year’s festival, which is an annual event organised by the arts development company TIN Arts with support from Durham County Council.

The festival includes artists and performers with learning and physical disabilities performing alongside those without disabilities, an inclusive and empowering approach that is central to the philosophy of TIN Art’s founders, Martin and Tess Wilson.  It is also why Martin and Tess are backing County Durham’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025, describing it as an opportunity to celebrate difference and challenge preconceptions of what art is.

Joseph, from Durham City, has global developmental delay which affects his cognitive skills and ability to read, write and process information. However, his physical co-ordination is second to none and this did not go unnoticed by the TIN Arts team when they first met Joseph at Durham Trinity School almost a decade ago.

Joseph took part in a dance workshop and the workshop leaders quickly picked up on his passion for performing. He went on to take part in more and more activities with TIN Arts and it now one of a number of young people the company is training to become paid dance leaders.

The Northern Echo:

Alison said: “Watching Joseph grow in skill and confidence over the years has been truly wonderful. The TIN Arts team is so clever as they draw on each individual’s strengths and this gives them confidence.”

Martin said: “As UK City of Culture, we can lead by example. We can focus on people’s abilities, not disabilities. We can show that anybody and everybody can be an artist, a creative, a performer, a director, a producer and these are not just roles that certain people or certain types can fulfil.”

Durham’s bid to be UK City of Culture 2025 aims to secure the title for the whole of County Durham. As well as resulting in increased cultural activities for all, it would significantly boost visitor numbers across the North East, leading to increased investment and new economic and employment opportunities.

The Northern Echo:

The initial bid was submitted by Durham County Council, with principal partner Durham University, on behalf of Culture Durham, a partnership of organisations united by their belief in the power of culture to transform lives.

To find out more and leave messages of support, visit www.durham2025.co.uk and follow @Durham2025 on Facebook and @Durham_2025 on Twitter.

Members of the public can also support the campaign by sharing pictures of their favourite County Durham places on social media with the hashtag #Durham2025.