28-02-2025
Three inspirational speakers to take the stage at County Durham event
Three inspirational guest speakers will take the stage at a special event in County Durham to mark International Women's Day.
Sue Snowdon, the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, will host the event, titled 'A World of Inspiration', at Bishop Auckland Town Hall on March 8.
The speakers include Nigerian-born Doncaster artist, curator, and advisor Chinwe Russell; Professor Azadeh Fatehrad, a multi-disciplinary scholar at Teesside University; and Sarah Price, head of Locomotion at the Science Museum Group.
Artist Jilly Johnson working on her portrait of Elsie Marley (Image: DCC)
The event will also feature two new exhibitions - '20 Historical Women Who Changed The World' and 'Inspirational Women of Durham'.
The first exhibition, displayed in Bishop Auckland Town Hall's main gallery, provides an insight into the lives of women whose work has significantly impacted the contemporary world.
This collection, from Chinwe Russell, includes well-known figures such as Marie Curie, Elizabeth I, and Florence Nightingale, along with many lesser-known women whose works continue to shape people's daily lives.
Artist Chinwe Russell, who is a guest speaker (Image: DCC)
The second exhibition, 'Inspirational Women of Durham', will be displayed in the venue's Strong Room gallery space.
It features five larger-than-life portraits of women from County Durham who have been inspirational within their communities.
These include the county's current Lord Lieutenant, Sue Snowdon, and 18th-century pub landlady Elsie Marley, who inspired a song that is still sung today.
The portraits were created by artist Jilly Johnson with help from the team at Durham County Council's heritage and registration venue, The Story.
: A portrait of Nwanyeruwa, a Nigerian advocate for women's rights in the early 20th Century, by Chinwe Russell (Image: DCC)
The exhibition also includes a soundscape by Marie Gardiner featuring the voices of County Durham women.
Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council's cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "International Women's Day is an opportunity for us all to reflect on the achievements of women who have shaped the world in which we live today.
"But it's not just about looking back; it's about looking forward and considering how we can continue to strive for gender equality.
"It's about inspiring people of all genders to follow their dreams and shining a light on the opportunities that exist.
"The speakers taking part in this event bring a wealth of experience and unique perspectives, and we are looking forward to welcoming them to Bishop Auckland Town Hall."
Chinwe Russell, one of the speakers, is a renowned artistic visionary and industry leader who captivates audiences with her distinctive, emotionally evocative, big, bold narrative art.
She is a force in the community, passionately advocating for active involvement in the visual arts.
Professor Azadeh Fatehrad, another speaker, is a professor of art and public policy at Teesside University.
Her work investigates the complexities of gender, identity, and representation through a unique combination of research, artistic practice, and curatorial projects.
Sarah Price, the third speaker, has been head of Locomotion in Shildon since August 2018.
In the last six years, she has led the transformation of the museum, including a wide range of capital projects.
She is committed to ensuring that Locomotion becomes a place of inspiration for young and old alike, particularly this year as people all over the world celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
The event, 'A World of Inspiration', starts at 10am on March 8, with tickets priced at £3.
The exhibitions, '20 Historical Women Who Changed The World' and 'Inspirational Women of Durham', will run from March 1 to May 24.
For more information about Bishop Auckland Town Hall's galleries and exhibitions, visit their website.
