What’s on

We always have an exciting itinerary of upcoming and completely FREE artist talks, workshops and more. Scroll below to find out what’s on and for more information on how to get involved and book your tickets! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the art team at artcollection@durham.ac.uk

Exhibition: Beautiful Durham

Outdoor Art Gallery
Bill Bryson Square
DH1 3LY

As a part of the Summer in the City Art Festival and in collaboration with nine County Durham Schools, the question “What makes Durham Beautiful?” was asked to school children ages 4-16. In response they created artwork representing their favourite part of County Durham.

Exhibition: Framing Shakespeare

26th July – 11th September
Cosin’s Library, Palace Green Library, Durham
DH1 3RW

As a Part of the Summer in the City Art Festival and the Durham Fringe Festival, come along to Cosin’s Library to view 18th century prints inspired by the works of Shakespeare.


Exhibition: Spatial Objects Dan Holdsworth

Opening 13th July 2023
Durham Castle Durham Castle Durham DH1 3RW

Dan Holdsworth is an internationally renowned artist with work collected by Tate Gallery, London; the V&A, London; the Museum of Modern Art in Vienna and the DG Bank Collection in Munich. Holdsworth’s career is based on photography, digital art and film which explores the meeting of art and science.

Spatial Objects at Durham Castle, Tour Led by Artist Dan Holdsworth

20th July 2023
17:00-18:00pm
Durham Castle Durham Castle Durham DH1 3RW

Join artist Dan Holdsworth on a tour of his new exhibition Spatial Objects at Durham Castle

Exhibition: Indelicate, Ungenteel, Vulgar & Outrageous Women

Josephine Butler College is delighted to host an art exhibition titled Radical Non-Resistance and the Art of Transgression: Indelicate, Ungenteel, Vulgar & Outrageous Women, (IUVOW) curated by local artist Philip Gatenby.

Online Exhibition: One Day Changes

Originally part of a physical exhibition for Holocaust Memorial Day Events 2022, curated and supported by Skimstone Arts (One Day Changes | Skimstone Arts) this scrollable online exhibition allows you to explore how One Day Changes everything

Exhibition: Student Art Prize 2022/23

This digital exhibition showcases the shortlisted entries to Durham University’s fourth annual Student Art Prize

Nature x Magical Realism: Poetry Workshop

As a part of the Summer in the City Arts Festival, join Durham University Poetry Society at the Oriental Museum and its surrounding gardens for this workshop, which explores the blending of nature writing with the genre of magical realism

Sensing: Walk and Art Workshop

29th June 2023
13:00 – 16:00pm
Palace Green Library, Learning Centre Palace Green Durham DH1 3RN

As a part of the Summer in the City Arts Festival, join artist Alice Highet on this sensory walk of Durham City.

Monster Modelling with Artist Paul Raymond

25th July 2023
13:00-15:00pm
Oriental Museum Elvet Hill Durham DH1 3TH

Learn how to sculpt monsters and grotesque creatures in this workshop with artist Paul Raymond

Reimagine Durham City with Artist Nocciola The Drawer

16 July 2023
11:00-13:00pm
Palace Green Library, Learning Centre Palace Green Durham DH1 3RN

Rebuild Durham city centre using clay and play dough in this creative workshop with artist Nocciola The Drawer

Exhibition: Where Are We Now?


Through a series of discussions, MA Visual Culture students within the School of Modern Languages & Cultures (MLAC) have been working with the Durham University Art Collection to re-imagine and re-curate this exhibition within Elvet Riverside.

Life Drawing with Carole Kell

Exhibition: Lady Kitt

More information coming soon


Past Events

Artist Workshop- Bethany Stead

Join northeast-based artist Bethany Stead in this airdry clay workshop, making small relief and sgraffito tiles with designs inspired by Tarot.

Looking at symbols and archetypes create your own sculptural cards that represent your past, present and future.

Artist Talk- Sarah Danays

As part of the Student Art Prize 2022/23, inspired by the concept of ‘Sanctuary’ internationally exhibited sculptor and photographer Sarah Danays will discuss her own work which, for several decades has addressed women’s issues; particularly violence against women.

Art Social with Sarah Stamp

Join artist Sarah stamp for a paper collage,
conversation and creative writing workshop.
Suitable for all abilities and levels of experience
with making and being creative

Life Drawing at The Oriental Museum

Join Durham University’s Art Societies life drawing group in the Oriental Museum after hours, and draw surrounded by museum objects

Louise Powell: Script in Hand Showcase of Monologues

Celebrate the extraordinary talents of Josephine Butler and Waddington Street writers at this script-in-hand showcase.

Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki Poetry Workshop

Join us for this poetry workshop which reflects upon the new temporary exhibition ‘Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki’ at the Oriental Museum.