Pop Up Cardboard Museum Of Natural History From The Future

This autumn families in Middlesbrough, and South Bank in Redcar & Cleveland can visit a
pop-up cardboard museum that explores the local environment, and the role collective
human activity can play in reducing the risk of key species facing extinction. The museum
will also feature a time-travelling curator who will help visitors explore all that the museum
has to offer.

The Pop-up Cardboard Museum of Natural History from the Future will be popping up
October 11th – South Bank Library – 10am – 2pm, with a performance at 1.30pm.
October 25th – Dorman Museum – 10am – 3pm with performances at 11am and 1pm
The pop-up is free to attend, and there is no need to book in advance – families can just turnup, explore the exhibits, and learn more about our at-risk species.

The museum is all about creating a fun and family friendly space to learn about at-risk species, including those in our own region, such as hedgehogs, newts and insects. The Museum’s time travelling curator, Maryam, will be on hand to help families get the most out of their museum visit, and for those lucky enough to visit during one of her chats there will be a chance to gain extra insights about some of the museum’s most fascinating creatures.

The museum has been created by Hollie Notman and Kat Lynas, both from Teesside,
supported by new Hartlepool producing practice, SIDEQUEST. Many of the pieces have
been created by a team of artists from The Tees Valley, and amongst the exhibits featured in the museum are a collection of creepie crawlies crafted by families that took part in
workshops at Orange Pip Market and Dorman Museum in Middlesbrough, SIRF in Stockton and Between The Tides Festival at Kirkleatham in Redcar.

“We’d love to see the families who created bugs and creatures in our workshops come along and spot their work inside the museum. It’s a brilliant way to show how everyone’s creativity has helped bring the museum to life.” – Hollie Notman, lead artist.

“Part of the excitement is seeing the museum come alive inside such incredible local
spaces. From South Bank Library to the Dorman Museum, each venue brings a
different energy and gives families a new way to experience the work.” – Kat Lynas,
Co-creator

“The project has been almost entirely made right here on Teesside, with Teesside talent, and
we can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on. From Hartlepool, to Stockton, to
Middlesbrough and South Bank and Kirkleatham – our artists are all living and working right
here and are passionate about providing high quality creative activity to all of our brilliant
communities’. Aaron Bowman, Producer at SIDEQUEST CIC.

One million species are currently at risk of extinction globally, and the museum offers a fun
and creative space for families of all ages to engage with this serious issue. While the reality
might be stark, the installation comes with a positive message, and those who visit should
leave feeling hopeful about what we can still accomplish, as well as feeling empowered by
the role they can play in saving our key species.

The Pop Up Cardboard Museum Of Natural History From The Future is funded by
Borderlands Creative People and Places Programme, which aims to increase access to arts
and culture in underserved areas of Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland.

To keep up with the latest news about the Pop Up Cardboard Museum of Natural History
From The Future follow SIDEQUEST on Instagram @sidequestwastaken