We’re giving you a sneak peek into what’s to come at Metal this year, though it’s no surprise that it includes bold artistic projects to spark change and positivity.
Throughout 2026, we’ve got a dynamic range of socially engaged and community focused programmes – including commissions, residencies, events, and collaborative projects. Like all our work, these will continue to respond to our three research and development themes: Community and Connection; Climate and Nature; and Social Justice.
Hear from the team below about some of the things they’re looking forward to this year…
Our National Programme – Disrupting Loneliness, Power and Connecting Creatives
“One of our preoccupations this year will be how people can feel more powerful where they live in Peterborough, Southend and Liverpool. More residents will have the power to decide which programmes they want to see in their cities through our creative action panels, and relationships between artists and groups will range from women’s refuges to schools and housing associations. We’re making a deliberate choice to bring people together for fun, laugher and to be creative in challenging times.” – Susie Thornberry, Director
“There’s so many things I’m excited for this year. Our commissions ‘Artist Ideas to Disrupt Loneliness’ – kick off this month, bringing together an incredible group of artists delivering creative disruptions to loneliness in our cities. It’s just the beginning of the work we’re doing through The Unlonely City, and we’re so excited that artist-led ideas are at the forefront, shaping this work as we go forward.
I’m also excited for the work we’re developing in creative risk and socially engaged practice – particularly the new artists we will connect with through this. If this feels relevant to work you’re doing, please do give us a shout — we’d love to hear from you”. – Molly Nicholson, Head of Programmes and Partnerships
2026 will see several of our cross-site programmes move into new phases – deepening their work and impact, plus some new initiatives will be taking shape. You should definitely watch this space!
Wellbeing, Nature and Care at Metal Southend
Philippa Stewart, our Producer in Southend says, “I am excited to continue being a part of the growth and development of our collaborative projects in Southend and across Essex this year. From working alongside artists and creatives, teachers, community, health and heritage groups, it’s incredibly fulfilling to share such a dynamic journey and experience the profound impact of art and creativity through connection to where and how we live”.
“This year, I’m really looking forward to seeing Connect & Create grow even further as a space where people can feel safe, connected and creatively alive. I love watching participants build confidence through making, sharing and supporting one another and I’m excited about the new programme and the opportunities it will bring for wellbeing, friendship and joy.” – Emma Mills, Mental Wellbeing Coordinator
From Creative Break Time continuing to provide care and creative time for Southend teachers, This Is Us Phase 2 deepening our focus on the vital role of green spaces for the residents and community groups of Castle Point, our wellbeing initiative Connect & Create bringing people together through art, plus plenty of other projects ticking away in the background, it’s set to be a busy year at Metal Southend. Oh, and did we mention, we have a new Director – more on this soon.
Neighbourhoods, Climate and Inspiration at Metal Liverpool
Jenny Porter, our Liverpool Director says, “I’m excited to return after my year of maternity leave. There’s so much going on, from bringing some much needed inspiration to reduce our environmental impact to the wider city region, to delivering our ongoing support for artists through our residency programme and open advice sessions. We’ll also be building on the work achieved through Picton Play, we met so many amazing people in our neighbourhood and connected with lots of local partners, it’s the kind of project that has sparked lots of new ideas for our work!”
We’ll continue to explore ways to reduce our environmental impact with other cultural organisations in the region through Shift Liverpool, the sustainability network we established in 2021. We’ll also have a musician in residence with us and a new Producer joining the team which we’ll be shouting about very soon.
Working with Young People and Creative Collaborations at Metal Peterborough
“Looking ahead to 2026, I’m really excited about the launch of some new public artworks through our Positive Notes project. These works will shine a light on some of Peterborough’s hidden stories, stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated, created through a collaboration between artist Joel Rodrequiez and local young people. They capture so much of what I love about Peterborough.
I’m also really looking forward to seeing our new portable reading room out and about in the city, popping up in different places, inviting conversation and sparking new ideas along the way.” – Ruth Campbell – Ekins, Director Metal Peterborough & Cambridgeshire.
Already this year we’ve launched Positive Notes and Where We Are, projects featuring new public art pieces, sharing stories that reshape perceptions of Peterborough, inspire pride, and address the ideas and priorities of local young people. We’ll also be launching In Other Words 3, sharing new artistic commissions through our Create Cambridge project, and a new Director will be joining our team this year too.
A final note
In a year that continues to feel challenging for many, we’re looking ahead with optimism, focusing on an artistic programme that brings people together through creativity and care — sparking joy, nurturing wellbeing and strengthening communities.
