Founded in 2017 through The Northern Charter (a former artist-led organisation based in Newcastle), the library began from a proposition – what would a library of women’s practice look like in the North East? – and a desire to see more variety in the regional narratives beyond already established histories and male artists’ work.

The library is active in finding new ways to reappraise artists less visible in dominant cultural narratives, and support the production of new work. It is shaped by who and what gets donated to its physical collection and is therefore always changing and evolving.

The collection includes publications, audio, objects, images and other forms of documentation that record historic and current artistic practice and programming across the North East of England. By bringing together research and donated material the library forms a cultural resource for artists and researchers, and anyone interested in artistic histories of the region.

Women Artists of the North East Library works collaboratively with artists, communities and cultural organisations to expand and share its collection through a nomadic programme.

Note that the library is open by appointment only and for Library Day events as advertised.