Explore more!
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” George Bernard Shaw
What is play? It’s having the freedom to explore in a safe environment without consequence. To find your way in the world.
We use a multi disciplinary arts approach to develop narrative and other creative skills to bring stories to life.
Personal stories, stories of place and stories that celebrate heritage.
What we do
Jack of Hearts CIC specialises in making art accessible to everyone. Our main focus is to develop a love of storytelling. We work with stories of place, local heritage and folklore. We use the outdoors to show our work, with the coast being very dear to our hearts. We are exploring work with emerging technology to bring the arts and heritage to life for families.
We also work closely with community gardens and growing projects, using art to bring visitors and communities together to enjoy outdoor spaces together.
We aim to help people realise what is beautiful in their community and nurture it. We also work closely with Wintertide Festival and have recently been on residences with Periplum Theatre on creating work outdoors and with Eden Project communities. We would like to extend our work to enhance the connections with mindfulness and happy communities.
Storytelling
At Jack of Hearts CIC, storytelling is at the heart of everything we do. We believe stories have the power to connect people, spark imagination, and keep traditions alive. Through our storytelling projects, we work with local communities to uncover and share the unique tales that define who we are.
Our approach to storytelling is collaborative and interactive. Whether through spoken word, performance, or creative writing, we engage with schools, community groups, and festivals to craft and share stories that resonate. From folklore and local legends to personal histories, we create spaces where people of all ages can explore their creativity and tell the stories that matter most to them.
We also bring stories to life through innovative mediums, combining traditional storytelling with visual art, theatre, and music. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that each story is not only heard but experienced in vibrant, immersive ways.
At Jack of Hearts, our storytelling projects celebrate the voices of the community while making space for new narratives. Through workshops, performances, and interactive events, we help people discover the power of their own stories and the role they play in shaping local heritage
Heritage Projects
At Jack of Hearts CIC, our heritage projects bring local history to life through art, storytelling, and community collaboration. We believe that heritage is best celebrated when it is shared, explored, and reimagined, and our projects do just that by engaging communities with their own rich histories.
We work with schools, local groups, and artists to uncover and showcase the unique stories of our region. From creating interactive exhibitions and performances to developing digital heritage trails, our projects are designed to make history accessible and engaging for people of all ages. A key focus of our heritage work is incorporating community input, ensuring that the stories we tell are authentic, diverse, and meaningful to those who live them.
Our heritage projects often feature hands-on creative activities, allowing participants to actively shape the way their history is told—whether through art, writing, or performance. By blending tradition with innovation, we ensure that local stories are not only preserved but celebrated in fresh, dynamic ways that resonate with modern audiences.
From maritime history to industrial heritage, our work highlights the deep connections between Hartlepool's past and its present, helping foster a sense of pride and identity in the communities we serve.
Festivals
At Jack of Hearts CIC, festivals are where our creativity truly comes to life. We specialise in bringing unique, interactive, and community-driven art experiences to festivals across the region. Whether it’s immersive storytelling, walkabout performances, or large-scale collaborative art projects, we engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Working closely with local artists, businesses, and community groups, we design festival experiences that highlight local heritage, environmental themes, and creativity. Our projects often incorporate reclaimed materials and interactive elements, encouraging festival-goers to actively participate in the creative process. By weaving together art, culture, and history, we create memorable moments that celebrate the vibrant spirit of each community.
From the Wintertide Festival to Hartlepool Folk Festival, our work fosters connection, sparks imagination, and brings people together through the power of art.
Creative Producing
At Jack of Hearts CIC, our creative producing brings ideas to life through innovative, community-focused projects. We collaborate with local artists, groups, and organizations to produce performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that captivate audiences. Our work spans everything from small-scale theatre to large outdoor events, with each project tailored to reflect the unique voices and stories of the community. With a focus on collaboration and creativity, we produce meaningful, art-driven experiences that inspire and engage.
Workshops
Jack of Hearts CIC offers dynamic, hands-on workshops designed to inspire creativity and foster learning. Our workshops cover a range of artistic disciplines, from visual arts and storytelling to performance and music. We work with schools, community groups, and festivals to deliver engaging sessions that cater to all ages and skill levels. Whether for education, wellbeing, or creative expression, our workshops provide a welcoming space for participants to explore new ideas, develop skills, and connect with their local heritage through art.
Collaborate and Create
Get in touch to see if we can collaborate on something exciting next!
© Copyright. All rights reserved.
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.