Newcastle City Council approves £3m investment in culture going forward

A North East council has today announced that it will invest £3m in culture and the arts across the next five years.

Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet has given the green light to continue the authority’s £622,500 a year support for the Newcastle Culture Investment Fund until 2026.

The latest funding will be targeted to secure the future of the city’s cultural assets and enable them to function productively in the aftermath of the pandemic.

A range of organisations have already made bids for NCIF sustainability grants for 2021/22 and with the money now confirmed these applications can progress.

Councillor Ged Bell, cabinet member for employment and culture, said: “Culture will play a key role in helping our city to recover from the effects of this pandemic, supporting economic development, public health, and quality of life.

“We are therefore delighted to continue our support for one of our region’s key industries and hope, after what has been an exceptionally tough year, that this funding can help our world class creative professionals and organisations to recover and once again flourish, having a positive impact on all of our lives.”

Councillor Nick Forbes, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “Culture plays such an important role in the life of the city and by investing in our people and organisations we hope to see that continue.

“The benefits of this ongoing investment is there for all to see - It makes a significant contribution to Newcastle’s profile and reputation; provides employment for significant numbers of people; contributes to the development of inclusive communities; has a positive impact in education, on health and well-being and on quality of life; and attracts significant investment to the city each year.”

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