Newcastle and Gateshead cultural venues unite to boost local economy with season of events

Newcastle and Gateshead’s leading cultural venues are uniting in an effort to boost the amount they contribute to the North East economy, with an aim of returning it to pre-COVID levels.

Newcastle Gateshead Cultural Venues (NGCV) is a partnership of 10 organisations including Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, Life Science Centre, Sage Gateshead and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

In the last year pre-COVID, NGCV member organisations together generated £93.9m for the local economy. This equates to the arts and culture sector contributing £1.8m a week.

Keith Merrin, director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, explained: “Due to the pandemic, some cultural venues have seen a reduction in visitor numbers of around 50 per cent.

“This in turn impacts the amount of money the venues generate for the local economy, including things like additional spend by tourists and people who come into Newcastle and Gateshead to enjoy a day out with family and friends, or to visit a concert or exhibition.”

NGCV venues is hosting a season of new exhibitions, performances and events this spring to welcome more people back. They have also launched a joint advertising campaign, ‘Make Your Moment’, supported by Newcastle City Council via the European Structural and Investment Funds, and Gateshead Council.

Keith continued: “By joining forces in this way, we want to highlight the strength of the cultural sector in Newcastle and Gateshead, and what it offers – from science to storytelling and from blockbusters to ballet - to everyone who lives, works and visits here.

“And ultimately, as well as encouraging people back to the venues, we will strengthen the region’s economic recovery from the pandemic.”

The new season of events includes an Easter Dance Camp for children at Dance City and an Ask the Author event, for aspiring writers of all ages, at Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books.

Newcastle’s Theatre Royal will be journeying back to the glamour of Hollywood during the roaring 20’s with performances of Singin’ in the Rain, while the Tyneside Cinema screens a performance of the Met Opera’s performance of Lucia Di Lammermoor.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →