Pink-collar Gallery proudly presents Collective Pulse: Art in Action, an exhibition series exploring activism, underrepresentation, and social equality through the themes of Environment, Community, Neurodivergence, and LGBTQIA+.
Hosted at Hills Art Centre in Sunderland, this powerful series will bring together 16 artists whose work engages with both personal and collective stories, reflecting the gallery’s commitment to social change through art.
Exhibition Themes & Dates:
April – Environment
Kasia Parker //Kerry Lowes // Stephanie Pau // Dean Turnbull
Preview event - 3rd April 2025 - 6-8 pm
4th April - 5th May
This exhibition brings together artists whose work explores the intricate connections between human activity, environmental change, and nature's resilience. Using a multidisciplinary approach that includes photography, sculpture, and installation, these artists invite us to engage with the environment in both literal and metaphorical ways, challenging us to reconsider our role in these ever-evolving ecosystems.
Collectively, the works in this exhibition serve as both witnesses and active participants in the ongoing shifts within our environment. They remind us, whether shaped by industry or nature, human-made or organic, we are in a perpetual state of transformation, constantly influenced by time, memory, and human intervention. Through this exploration, the exhibition prompts us to reflect on our impact and responsibilities, presenting narratives of loss and regeneration, destruction, and potential for change.
May – Community
Olivia Askwith // Regeneration Arts // Keira Todd // Melissa Duncan
Preview event - 9th May 2025 - 6-8 pm
10th May - 9th June
June – Neurodivergence
Sophie Keith //Julie Easton // Suzanne Hocknell // Gabriel Gustard
Preview event - 13th June 2025 - 6-8 pm
14th June - 14th July.
July – LGBTQIA+
Hannah Kate Absalom // Heather MacDonald // Sullivan Alenezi // Ellen Dixon
Preview event - 18th July 2025 - 6-8 pm
18th July - 18th August
Each exhibition will feature a curated selection of pre-existing works alongside a newly commissioned piece, highlighting fresh perspectives on each theme. The artists commissioned to create new works for the series are Kasia Parker, Liv Askwith, Sophie Keith, and Hannah Kate Absalom.
The exhibition series will run from April to August 2025, with each show diving deep into issues that shape our world today.
Pink-Collar Gallery CIC is an innovative art organisation dedicated to promoting underrepresented voices and using art as a platform for equality. Founded by Sunderland-based curator Michaela Wetherell, the gallery stems from her passion for addressing female underrepresentation in the arts and exploring the importance of working-class identity.
Our mission is to challenge the barriers within the arts by creating opportunities for working-class artists, fostering creative growth, and amplifying marginalised perspectives. We provide workshops, mentoring sessions, and talks from industry professionals, supporting emerging creatives of all ages as they develop their practice in the North East. At Pink-Collar Gallery, we believe art is for everyone.
Through a robust exhibition program, we focus on themes such as the underrepresentation of women in the arts and the rich narratives of working-class identity. By hosting exhibitions and facilitating community workshops in Sunderland, we aim to break down the misconception that art is exclusive and instead inspire people to engage with and enjoy creative expression.
Initially launched online in response to the pandemic, Pink-Collar Gallery has grown into a dynamic platform. Since 2020, we have collaborated with over 160 artists, commissioned 24 new works, and tackled pressing issues like mental health, femicide, and social inequality. Our journey continues as we work to create a more inclusive and vibrant arts culture, empowering individuals and communities through creativity. Join us in making art accessible, relevant, and transformative.
For more information, exhibition details, and updates, follow Pink-collar Gallery on @pinkcollargallery on Instagram or visit www.pink-collargallery.com/