The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon over the weekend. Located on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead, less than half an hour’s walk away from campus, it is accessible by crossing over the Millennium Bridge on Newcastle Quayside. The building itself, seeped in northern history, is an old converted flour mill which ceased operation in around 1984. Now, the Baltic offers 4 floors of dedicated art spaces, showcasing exhibitions from contemporary artists exploring themes such as politics, gender and identity.
Offering free entry, the Baltic is a great place for students to explore, with incredible views of Newcastle as an added bonus! The centre has a viewing platform on the top floor which offers amazing views of the Quayside bridges. Iconic landmarks such as St James Park, Grey’s Monument and Newcastle Castle can be spotted amongst the rooftops, making it a great place to see the city from above.
The Baltic’s exhibitions always include a mix of different art styles and modes, meaning there's something for everyone to appreciate. The first floor currently showcases the work of photographer Chris Killip, who photographed people across the North of England in the 70s and 80s, capturing the effects of the economic shifts whilst focusing on human relationships. In contrast to Killip’s poignant black and white images, the top floor currently contains Hew Locke’s gigantic art piece, The Procession. Locke’s vibrant work depicts a carnival-like scene, with over 100 colourful figures parading through the room. Exploring the implications of colonialism, the figures carry world history through banners, masks, instruments and more.
The Baltic also has a café which offers pay-as-you-feel teas and coffee, as well as free Wi-Fi and charging ports, making it a great budget-friendly place to meet with friends or host a study group!