Art in the Park at the Baltic - NewcastleGateshead August 2011

One of the most difficult things about the summertime is finding ways to keep the kids entertained. Most parents will do anything to prevent hearing what’s probably the most dreaded phrase kids say during the summer: “I’m bored!”

If you are in Newcastle this summer, one way to keep them entertained is to take them to the Art in the Park event at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art during the August bank holiday (Sunday 28th August and Monday 29th August). It’ll run from 11am to 4pm both days; you can drop them off and spend the day enjoying NewcastleGatehead.

Art in the Park is ideal for kids ages 0-14 years. The Baltic will run four groups simultaneously: the 0-5 years (with parental supervision), the 5-7 years, the 7-11 years, and the 11-14 years. The name of the event is a misnomer of sorts; instead of being held in an actual outdoor park, the Baltic will transform several sections for this fun opportunity for kids to learn about and do art. Level 1 will be transformed into an enchanting park, where kids can work with Baltic artists making different types of animation inspired by Robert Breer’s work, which will be exhibited on Levels 3 and 4. Baltic Square will be transformed into a specially-created picnic area so that families can enjoy the sun, eat a picnic lunch, and enjoy the many fun activities going on there.

The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is an ideal venue for this kind of event. Located on the south bank of the River Tyne next to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the Baltic is an international centre displaying great contemporary art. It presents an ever-changing programme of exhibitions and events, and is an international leader in the presentation, commissioning, and communication of contemporary visual art. If you would like to spend a weekend this summer entertaining both yourself and the kids, check out the Jurys Inn range of hotels in Gateshead and experience the city for yourself.