Gongs of Teesside began with forging steel gongs by local blacksmiths and has evolved through collective soundings with communities across Teesside and East Cleveland. The gongs serve as resonant objects and gathering points, opening encounters with place, memory, and ecology while amplifying local voices and stories.

Ceremonial soundings take place in outdoor locations chosen by participants along the River Tees Valley and in East Cleveland. Each event is shaped by the ideas and interests of those involved, and documented by local young people, becoming a catalyst for shared reflection and research on the area’s past, present, and future.

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Concept, Facilitation and Soundworks: Nell Catchpole
Collaborative Research:  Nell Catchpole and Sarah Irwin
Photographer & Video: Rachel Deakin
Project Manager: Dianne Bowell

Gongs made by: Blacksmith, Matthew Snape and Master Blacksmith, Peat Oberon, with expert advice from Filipe Alvarez

Project Partners: MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art); Land of Iron, Skinningrove; Preston Park Museum, Stockton

With thanks for their collaboration and support: Prior Pursglove College; Redcar & Cleveland College; Tees Valley Museums Young Producers; Tees Valley Creative Place; Loftus Studios; Tees Components; Tees Components Brass Band; St. Helen’s Church, Carlin How; Teesworks Skills Academy. 

Local Services: Creative Cutting Services, Ltd; Waterjet-tec; County Print

 Funded by: UKRI - MIMA - Leeds University - Historic England