Making the Invisible Visible

Free exhibition of everyday objects and community stories, with a map to 102 hidden places around South Shields.

Making the Invisible Visible is a new exhibition at The Word marking the venue's 10th anniversary, exploring the small everyday things that connect us to friends, nature and our hometown. Lead artist Eric MacLennan worked with seven local community groups around South Shields, who shared objects and stories now on display as photos and objects with hidden stories to see, hear or read. Visitors can also pick up a map showing 102 hidden places around South Shields, tracing invisible links between the town and the wider world. The exhibition is in the downstairs pod and is suitable for all ages, running from 9 October 2026 to 30 January 2027.

Happening at

The Word, National Centre for the Written WordA free library building with a Lego brick pit, digital media walls and baby and toddler sessions to build a morning around.South Shields · Free entry · café · gift shop · indoor playSee full listing →