Blockbuster exhibitions in the North

A founding member of the Caribbean Artists Movement and a leading Modernist sculptor, Ronald Moody's significant contribution to 20th-century art has been historically overlooked, until now. Don't miss this major exhibition examining the artist's career through 50 works that play with materials, from wood to concrete. Once you're done, check out their two other exhibitions: Igshaan Adams and Sylvia Snowden: Painting Humanity.

Explore the colourful worlds of Trinidadian folklore and mythology in this major retrospective of poet and painter John Lyons, who has dedicated six decades to his creative practice. Discover his influence on British art, literature and art education, having taught in Manchester and across the nation. While you're there, don't miss the Art Fund supported exhibition, Ayo Akingbade: Show Me The World Mister, comprising a film installation exploring history, legacy, power and place-making in Nigeria.

Marvel at the monumental sculptures that congregate in Yorkshire Sculpture Park's chapel by Leilah Barbirye, who uses wood, ceramics, stainless steel, bike chains and copper to create figures which celebrate the beauty of the LGBTQ+ community.

Explore the stories of women and their work across the globe, from China to the Caribbean, in this major retrospective of documentary photographer and activist Franki Raffles, who produced a staggering 40,000 images in the space of 10 years. Raffles documented the lives of women all over the world, uncovering key issues including inequality, gendered violence and disability.

Witness a masterpiece by JMW Turner, on loan from the National Gallery to celebrate their 200th anniversary, in this exhibition exploring the rise of industrialisation in Britain, with a particular focus on the North East's shipbuilding history. And if you're not in Newcastle, browse our full listings to find a National Treasures exhibition near you.

Famous faces go on display in this exhibition of photography by Derrick Santini, who has captured some of the biggest names in art, fashion, music and film, including Adele, Jarvis Cocker, Judi Dench, Idris Elba and One Direction. Explore the story of Scarborough local Santini's career as a photographer and come face-to-face with the icons who have shaped British culture over the last three decades.

Don't miss this opportunity to experience striking art in stunning surroundings, as Tony Cragg's large-scale sculptures are brought to Castle Howard in this landmark exhibition. Find works dotted throughout the grounds and inside the house, where a selection of Cragg's works on paper are also on display.

Discover a radical artist and trailblazer who used photography and self-portraiture to explore gender and identity at the start of the 20th century. Claude Cahun refused the narrow confines of gender and adopted a gender-neutral pseudonym as her artist name. See 42 of her striking prints that have left an enduring mark on photography today, inspiring leading artists including Cindy Sherman and Nan Goldin.

Through portraiture, self-taught artist Lela Harris reimagines six Black people connected to the transatlantic slave trade who lived in Lancaster during the 18th century. Harris has combed through archival material to produce visual records of these people who have been historically erased, crucially reminding us of their existence and humanity.