Arts&Heritage is delighted to be working with the CAVA Collective on an English Heritage Community Connections funded project, titled Flying the (new) flag at Prudhoe Castle.

The CAVA collective was formed in 2022 after volunteers from 5 heritage sites in Durham and Northumberland took part in the Newcastle University research project Volunteer Voices. Talking to artists, visiting studios and contemporary art projects, resulted in the group becoming enthusiastic ambassadors for the placing of contemporary art in heritage places.

The CAVA’s have commissioned artist Barbara Ridley to research the history of this remarkable twelfth century Castle, standing proud above the Northumberland town of Prudhoe. Barbara is a highly experienced designer and illustrator who was also born and brought up in Prudhoe, so has a deep connection with the town and Castle.

Over the Festive period, visitors and residents will see a new artist-designed flag, fluttering high above the Castle, a flag that refers to the town’s history and contemporary life.

This is new departure for the CAVA Collective as they venture deeper into the relationship between contemporary art practice and heritage.