Member Article

Art hub to strengthen region’s cultural economy

An innovative new hub for contemporary art in Newcastle is set to further the region’s cultural credentials on an international stage.

Bdaily was at the launch of BALTIC 39, a space which will play host to a vibrant community of artists in the former Ward’s printing warehouse and Grade II listed building on High Bridge Street.

The project represents a collaboration between Newcastle City Council, Arts Council England, the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Northumbria University.

It bridges the gap between studio and gallery space, creating opportunities for students to work and exhibit alongside established artists.

Alison Clark-Jenkins, regional director of Arts Council England, said: “This is a project that has been almost 10 years in the making, and amongst all the partners, we really believe it has surpassed all our expectations in terms of what it will offer.

“This is a unique type of space, which I think could represent international best practice, particularly showing what this kind of collaborative approach can achieve.”

Alison also went on to note the boost to business confidence in the city, that BALTIC 39 would foster as a vibrant part of the cultural economy.

32 artists’ studios and a home for fine art students from Northumbria University’s Department of Art and Social Sciences.

The centre will open to the public on Friday April 6, as BALTIC assume management of the top floor space which will offer artists and guest curators creative freedom to experiment and innovate.

Professor Andrew Wathey, vice chancellor and chief executive of Northumbria University, commented: “It’s an exciting relationship that we have developed with BALTIC and the City Council.

“This space is going to house of our Institute of Contemporary Art, and will strengthen facilities for students as well as helping them to find paths into careers.

“Of course exemplifies the suggestions of the Wilson report, and shows that Northumbria University is playing a vital role in the region’s thriving cultural economy.”

The redevelopment project of 39 High Bridge Street was funded through European Regional Development Fund, Arts Council England, Tyne and Wear Partnership via Single Programme Funding from ONE North East, Northern Rock Foundation, The Sir James Knott Trust and Newcastle City Council.

BALTIC Director Godfrey Worsdale added: “This is an experimentation, and sometimes we need to take risks to achieve something really innovative - BALTIC 39 is that.

“One of the roles this development will play is helping to make sure the region has a top class spread of cultural venues, and by doing so, we will attract creative people to the region.

“These people then establish their creative industries here, so that the cultural and creative economies prosper.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .