Mackenzie Thorpe launches community clay project as part of Stockton regeneration

Internationally acclaimed Middlesbrough-born artist, Mackenzie Thorpe, has launched the You and I Clay Project; a major creative initiative led by Yarm School and Stockton Borough Council set to involve over 1,000 children from across the Stockton-on-Tees borough.

The project forms part of the Stockton Waterfront urban regeneration, due for completion in 2026.

A collaboration between Yarm School and Stockton Borough Council, with the support of Jacksons Law, the initiative has already brought together eight primary schools, with three more schools set to join in the next few weeks.

Each participating child will create a clay figure representing themselves. These will come together to form a large-scale temporary art installation in the centre of Stockton, making a mark on the town’s landscape and giving young people a visible place in its future.

The You and I project offers an important opportunity to focus on creativity and skills-based learning in the classroom with the workshops – led by Rachel Shepherd, Yarm Prep School Art Lead – promoting not only artistic development but also self-expression, confidence, and a sense of community identity among young participants.

At the launch event, pupils from Yarm Prep School and Prince Regent Street Trust Schools (Oxbridge Lane Primary School, Wolviston Primary School, Hartburn Primary School and Kader Academy) took part in a clay session alongside Mackenzie Thorpe, who viewed some of the early creations and worked with children as they got creative with the clay.

Dr Huw Williams, Headmaster at Yarm School said: “It was wonderful to launch such a meaningful project and to see Mackenzie Thorpe engaging so warmly with the children, many of whom have been genuinely inspired by his work.

“The You and I project forms a key part of our partnerships programme, which is all about building connections across schools and communities. These shared experiences are incredibly valuable for the children and play an important role in building long-term relationships within our wider community. We would love more schools and businesses to be part of this amazing initiative – please get in touch at partnerships@yarmschool.org”

Mackenzie Thorpe said: “I asked the children to express themselves and make their sculptures original and unique. They have taken it even further and they all look amazing.”

Juliet Hardy, creative programmes manager at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council said: “Stockon on Tees Borough council are developing a huge space for culture and events. The You and I Project will be one of the first events to take place in this space and we’re hoping to have 45 schools involved in total.”