Berwick Academy welcomes first-ever Artist in Residence

Artist Martha Ellis has begun a new residency at Berwick Academy – the school’s first-ever Artist in Residence, and possibly the first of its kind in any Northumberland school.

This is a rare opportunity for both the school community and the artist to work together to create original artwork, while giving pupils the chance to learn new creative and technical skills.

The residency forms part of the Living Barracks development project and is being produced by the Maltings (Berwick) Trust under the name ‘Berwick Shines’, funded by the UK Government’s Cultural Development Fund. It is one of a series of residences and commissions bringing art into the community, inspired by Berwick Barracks and supported by partners including Berwick Barracks Heritage Trust, English Heritage, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers, the Maltings (Berwick) Trust and Northumberland County Council.

During the 2025–26 academic year, Martha will work with pupils, teachers, and the wider school community to create an exhibition of new work inspired by the school and the heritage of Berwick-upon-Tweed, working closely with the Berwick Record Office. The finished pieces will remain at the school as a lasting legacy of the residency.

Martha Ellis is an artist who specialises in cut-out drawing and sculpture. She has previously been Artist in Residence with Edinburgh Academy and the Hugo Burge Foundation in Berwickshire. Earlier this year, Martha was commissioned by Queen Margaret University to design and create a sculpture commemorating the University’s 150th anniversary.

Martha’s most recent work for the Living Barracks project took place in November 2024, when she collaborated with five local schools to create giant willow-lantern salmon sculptures. These were paraded through Berwick at the December 2024 Christmas Lights Switch-On and later gifted to Berwick Town Council for future civic occasions, including the annual Salmon Queen Procession.

Commenting on her appointment as Berwick Academy’s Artist in Residence, Martha Ellis said:

“Working with a ‘real-life artist’ can be life-changing for students at secondary school age. Learning new skills and seeing what’s possible beyond school education is hugely important – and often missed.

The role of an Artist in Residence offers a chance to both educate and inspire future artists. I have high expectations of the students I work with, ensuring that the outcomes we create together are of a high artistic standard.”

Ben Ryder, Head Teacher at Berwick Academy, commented:

“I am delighted that Berwick Academy will be working with Martha over the coming academic year. This is an exciting opportunity, and I am grateful to the Living Barracks team at The Maltings for their support and commitment in making this possible.

Martha will work directly with our students to enrich the art curriculum and provide a range of creative opportunities throughout the year. We look forward to sharing updates with parents and the wider community as the partnership develops.”

Lucy Vaughan, Head of Maltings Creative Engagement, added:

“This is such an exciting opportunity for everyone involved, and we hope this is the beginning of a vibrant and rewarding relationship. We’re looking forward to working together throughout the school year and exploring the new opportunities for learning and creativity that can emerge from this kind of residency.”

As part of the Living Barracks project, the Maltings’ team has built a strong track record of creative engagement with local schools – from art projects and choir commissions to a film club and initiatives focused on creative careers, with plenty more still to come.