Shieldfield Art Works (or ‘SAW’) is an arts organisation based in Shieldfield, Newcastle upon Tyne. SAW is an artist-led organisation committed to creativity, theological critique and community engagement. As a project of the Methodist Church, we are built upon Christian foundations of seeking truth, challenging injustice, social activism and operating for the common good. Anyone, of any faith or none, is welcome to participate in our programme.
Lydia Hiorns 
Maxine Mallon 
Lydia Hiorns
Our Values
HOSPITALITY: Through the artistic practice of creative hospitality we seek to make our space open to all. We give space for conversations, different perspectives and encounters covering all aspects of life; including art, faith and wider society. We believe that many of these topics are best explored in community and in the context of supportive relationships.
ART & ENQUIRY: Through a programme of engaging and challenging art, with a strong focus on socially engaged practice, we are committed to asking questions about art, faith and community. We use art as a mode of enquiry to explore all of life, including different viewpoints of theology, church practice, society and politics.
COMMUNITY ACTIVISM: Through the use of art and enquiry, we seek positive change for the welfare of the city, its community and its individual inhabitants. We are interested in all the challenges of life, in order to seek out ways of supporting and enabling social transformation. We are particularly committed to collaborating with local communities to seek good for our area of Shieldfield in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Our Work
SAW presents a thought-provoking programme of art exhibitions, events, workshops and publications. Our programme seeks to embody our commitment to explore all aspects of Art, Community Activism and sharing of Hospitality. Here is a selection of our work:
We host exhibitions and a programme of events responding to issues which affect people’s lives both locally and nationally. In the past we’ve explored the housing crisis, hospitality and sustainable food production. Find out about our current programme here and selected past projects here.
Shieldfield Grows is a programme of activity that seeks to promote sustainable food production, fair land usage and community flourishing. Shieldfield Grows enables people to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs in their homes, on balconies, gardens and allotments. Together we are also developing part of SAW’s garden as a space for growing. This is a collaboration between Dwellbeing Shieldfield and Shieldfield Art Works. Find out more here.
Craft Action Collective seeks to think deeply and respond to injustices in a gentle, careful way through craft and printmaking. With courage and care we talk, discuss and make together. It’s quiet activism for everyone, including introverts, where we use the medium of craft to stand alongside others. Find out more here.