Taking inspiration from current exhibition Ax·is Mun·di by Newcastle-based artist Mani Kambo, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art has unveiled a special family-friendly programme of events and activities for February half term celebrating the world of signs, symbols and their meaning.
Big Days Out takes place from Wednesday 26 February to Sunday 2 March, with five days of activities, games, storytelling and workshops. They will creatively explore road signs, weather symbols, mystic markings and icons associated with the natural world; as well as emojis, the zodiac, and signs and symbols for peace, love and happiness. Throughout Big Days Out, visitors to Baltic can also enjoy a unique pop-up exhibition created by event sponsors, Newcastle Building Society, who are working with three North East artists on a new visual initiative for people seeking a more mindful way to manage their money.
On Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 February, visitors can join in with a two-day collaborative installation led by artist Zoe Allen that invites visitors to help create a mega outsize ‘Happy City’ using signs, symbols and kind messages. The new Happy City – complete with buildings, parks and bridges – will use signs to build a friendly, helpful and happy place to live.
On Wednesday 26 February, families can enjoy an interactive tour of Mani Kambo’s exhibition Ax·is Mun·di in the Level 2 gallery. Families can learn more about the signs and symbols that feature in Kambo’s exhibition through materials, movement and sound.
And for anyone that’s ever wanted to install their own signage at Baltic, the Sign Up Club on Wednesday afternoon gives visitors the chance to create their own signage and install it in window of Baltic’s Front Room overlooking the quayside.
Amanda Rennison, Learning & Civic Engagement Lead from Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, said: “Signs and symbols have been an important form of communication for centuries. From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to modern day emojis, we continue to use them to express our thoughts, feelings and emotions.
“Taking inspiration from Mani Kambo’s exhibition at Baltic, we’re inviting families and members of the public to join us during February half term to learn more about the language of signs, and be creative and adventurous about how we use symbols in our everyday lives to communicate with one another.”
On Thursday 27 February, Baltic hosts a sewing workshop celebrating the signs of Spring. Free cross-stitch materials will be available for families and visitors to sew their own flowers, insects and buds. And in the afternoon, Baltic’s learning team will host an interactive, creative storytelling session for children of all ages in the Level 2 Learning Lounge.
Friday 28 February sees a drop in poetry session where guest poets and members of the public will be sharing their favourite poems about peace and love. Part of the free, two-hour session will look at ways of describing what symbolises goodness in the world today. Another drop-in session with Mindfulness Therapies – a community hub in Newcastle – will explore how to signpost positive self care and self-reflection.
Michael Conville, Chief Customer Officer of Newcastle Building Society, said: “A visit to Baltic is always rewarding and enriching, so we’re delighted to be supporting Big Days Out this February half term. The packed programme offers something for everyone, and we’re excited to be part of the action.”
The hugely popular Endless Love Creative Makers Market returns to Baltic on Saturday 1 March with more than 60 stallholders showcasing their independent designs – from prints and ceramics to jewellery and textiles.
On Sunday 2 March, Baltic’s Front Room will be transformed into a bingo hall for Big Days Out Bingo. There’ll be no numbers called out; instead it’s a game of signs and symbols, with the first person completing a line shouting ‘Baltic’. For families that want to take part in a quieter environment, free Signs and Symbols sheets will be available from the Hello Desk, with Baltic Crew on each level of the gallery signposting a secret symbol to draw. There’s even a special prize on offer for anyone that completes the collection of symbols.
Also taking place on Sunday 2 March is a free, artist-led meet and make workshop for families with children aged 5-12.
Every day throughout Baltic’s February half term Big Days Out (Wed 26 Feb – Sun 2 March), any families in need of a free breakfast are invited to start their day at the gallery’s Cereal Disco and Sign sessions. Enjoy breakfast and then dance the morning away. Makaton signs – a unique language based on British Sign Language that uses signs, symbols and speech – will be spread around the room to encourage communication. Also taking place throughout Baltic’s February half term Big Days Out is Leap Then Look; a tactile, interactive exhibition where every part can be touched, picked up, rearranged, and combined, creating a welcoming environment full of possibilities.
Baltic’s Big Days Out: Signs and Symbols takes place from Wednesday 26 February to Sunday 2 March 2025. All activities are free with no advance booking required. Entry to the Endless Love Creative Makers Market on Saturday 1 March costs £2 (under 18s go free).
For more information, visit baltic.art/signs
Big Days Out is supported by Newcastle Building Society.