Families visiting Blyth this August will have the chance to experience an award-winning interactive artwork that encourages creativity, imagination and play.

From 11 to 16 August, Playshapes will transform the town into a giant hands-on playground, giving children and adults the opportunity to create their own sculptures, obstacle courses, towers and imaginative structures within the Market Pavilion. 

Designed by Leeds-based contemporary artist Pippa Hale, Playshapes is made up of large precision-cut foam cubes that can be taken apart into a variety of shapes including beams, steps, triangles, curved sections and platforms. There are no instructions and no right or wrong way to play as visitors simply build whatever they can imagine before the next group creates something completely different.

The colourful installation was inspired by the work of renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi and the educational play objects known as Froebel Gifts, encouraging exploration of shape, colour and three-dimensional space through open-ended play.
Unlike traditional playground equipment, Playshapes has no fixed design or outcome. The artwork constantly changes as visitors work together to create new structures that are safe to climb, explore and enjoy.

Mayor of Blyth Town Council, Councilor Mark Peart, said:
“We’re delighted to bring Playshapes to Blyth as part of our summer programme. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy free creative play together while experiencing an internationally recognised piece of interactive public art. Every visit will be different because every structure is created by the imagination of the people taking part.”

Playshapes will be available for everyone to enjoy in Blyth from 11-16 August, with visitors encouraged to drop in, build, play and let their imaginations take over…and it’s great for mams and dads too.