The programme in 2020 was challenged by Covid restrictions which meant that the gallery and indoor spaces were off limits, social distancing had to be managed and the number of open weekends were reduced. Despite this Cheeseburn presented one of its largest programmes with over 75 artworks across the gardens, and the lockdown theme included an almost life-size 3D print of artist Erin Dickinson's mother in her house coat with a cup of tea, to welcome visitors - many of which had spent months at home in isolation.
Bethan Williams produced a large scale installation of mobile painted cubes on the tennis court which was activated by dance performances as part of the Gillian Dickinson North East Young Sculptor of the Year award.
Carole McCourt presented works from a year-long environmental drawing residency at Cheeseburn and a number of text based works were featured by artists including Graham Dolphin, Marginendeavour and Kate Penrice along with a large multi-part installation of ceramic urns by Andrew Burton with text telling the story of Mary Ellen Bowes.
