WOW North East : Wow Show
The Hope Brigade, WOW's global photography exhibition now in its sixth year and counting that offers a platform to trailblazing women, girls and non-binary people from across the world.
The new edition follows The Hope Brigade photography projects in more than 10 regions across the world from Karachi to Manchester, Athens to Rio with more than 150 people now showcased as part of the series.
This special regional edition of the project follows on from WOW's first ever North East festival (WOW North East) which took place in Autumn 2025 as part of the 200th anniversary celebrations of the first journey on the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR200). Created in partnership with S&DR200, The Hope Brigade North East will spotlight women, girls and non-binary people whose work, creativity and activism are reshaping communities across the North East of England reflecting the 12 curatorial pillars of WOW's work.
To launch the North East edition of The Hope Brigade, WOW will hold a special event at Middlesbrough Theatre on International Women's Day 2026 (8 March). Hosted by WOW Founder Director Jude Kelly, WOW North East: International Women's Day Celebration will feature individuals from the exhibition in conversation, including Teissy Easton, Jordan Groody and Kate Fox. An afternoon of local stories, inspiring interviews and reasons to be hopeful, audiences will hear more about The Hope Brigade's own experiences, their work in their specific fields and what gives them optimism in a world where the news often feels relentless. Tickets available through WOW North East - International Women's Day Celebration | The WOW Foundation.
