Global exhibition to celebrate inspirational women

8 hours ago

Naj ModakNorth East and Cumbria

Sarah Price, head of railway museum Locomotion in Shildon, said it was "humbling" to be picked to take part

Sarah Price Sarah Price has long blonde hair and glasses and is smiling and wearing a long maroon jumper. She is standing in front of a black and red locomotive and a blue locomotive inside a museum. — Sarah Price, head of railway museum Locomotion in Shildon, said it was "humbling" to be picked to take part

A global photography exhibition showcasing "extraordinary" women will take place in the spring.

The Hope Brigade project will feature portraits of 26 people from across the North East and tour the region after its launch at Middlesbrough Theatre on 8 March.

Led by Women of the World (WOW) in partnership with Stockton and Darlington Railway, the artwork celebrates those who are leading change.

Photographer and farmer Joanne Coates, 35, from Darlington said as a student she felt there were no opportunities in the North East and now these "inspiring women" had shown her she could be "incredible" by staying in the region.

The project received hundreds of nominations of those making an impact in the region but only 26 were chosen, the same number as the distance in miles as the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

The names put forward ranged from those excelling in roles that previously may have been seen as gender-specific and people striving to improve the lives of others.

Coates said every time she photographed a woman she was "inspired" by their unique stories.

She said: "I'd get a feel for their personality and who they are and then make a portrait with them."

Joanne Coates said the women she photographed inspired her

Joanne Coates Joanne Coates had wavy long red hair and is wearing a dark top. She is holding a camera. She is a farm with a barn in the background. — Joanne Coates said the women she photographed inspired her

Each photo was taken in a location that meant something to the women being photographed.

"All of those places are now going to be seen by people all around the world," Coates said.

"It showcases what incredible things we have in this region."

She said she hoped the exhibition would "give people hope" and confidence to believe in themselves.

Colette Bailey, WOW's CEO, said: "Growing up in Hartlepool, my early life was shaped by so many strong female role models who instilled in me a life-long commitment to social justice and equity.

"It's wonderful to have the opportunity to bring The Hope Brigade photography project to the wider region."

The 54-year-old said choosing only 26 people was not an "easy task" because everyone nominated "was doing extraordinary things".

"We've got a real mix of people who are using their cultural skills for social good, poets and dancers, museum curators, activists and people who are putting their time and effort into trying to change things."

Rumana Yasmin, director of Bok Bok Books, an independent publisher in Middlesbrough will be featured

Women of the World/Joanne Coates Rumana Yasmin has long black wavy hair and glasses. She is smiling and wearing a black and white scarf. There are shelves behind her with books. — Rumana Yasmin, director of Bok Bok Books, an independent publisher in Middlesbrough will be featured

Sarah Price , 55, head of railway museum Locomotion in Shildon was one of the chosen nominees and had her photograph taken in front of 200-year-old locomotive, Locomotion No 1.

She said it was "very humbling" to have been recognised as a leader which was "just brilliant" and she wanted to inspire others.

The exhibition begins on International Women's Day and will feature local stories and "inspiring" interviews.

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