Small Pleasures: Wild Imaginings at Wharton Park

Celebrating the place we love through art & stories
This autumn, Wharton Park will be transformed into a space for creativity, conversation, and community. Together, we’ll explore what this much-loved park means to us — through hands-on workshops, personal storytelling, and a beautiful outdoor exhibition.

Led by artist Zara Worth and Creativity Works, with the support of Durham County Council’s Parks & Countryside Team.

What You’ll Do

Create: Make delicate wire sculptures gilded with gold leaf
Share: Record a short personal story about your connection to the park.
Small Pleasures: Your creations will be photographed in Wharton Park and displayed in a free outdoor exhibition in January 2026.
Contribute: Help us understand how green spaces like Wharton Park support community wellbeing.
Who We’re Looking For

If Wharton Park has a place in your heart, we’d love you to join us!

Age 18+
Visit the park regularly or occasionally
Happy to be photographed and share your story
No art experience needed — just curiosity and an open mind.
When & Where

Workshops: October–November 2025
Location: Wharton Park, Durham City (indoor spaces if it rains)
Small groups: 8–10 people per session
Why Join?

Celebrate your connection to Wharton Park
Learn new creative skills in a relaxed, friendly space
Be part of a unique artwork that’s all about this special place
Shape ideas for future creative projects in our park

Background info

Create North is supporting its sibling Community Interest Company, Creativity Works, by promoting this event while the CIC’s website is being built.

Wild Imagining is a bold new creative initiative led by Creativity Works CIC with Durham County Council. Part of the pioneering PlaceLabs pilot, it invites communities across Durham City and nearby villages to reimagine their relationship with local green spaces through art, culture, and collective action.

Rooted in parks, river paths, allotments, and landmarks, Wild Imagining is where creativity meets community. The project will culminate in a free outdoor exhibition at Wharton Park in January 2026.

Wild Imagining is one of six PlaceLabs in County Durham, part of Into the Light—a countywide programme funded by Arts Council England.

Small Pleasures (park swings)’ (2025) Zara Worth [gold on wire]. Image courtesy of the artist