Newcastle and Gateshead has been chosen to host the Great Exhibition of the North in 2018, bringing a major celebration of northern art, design and innovation to Tyneside.
The successful bid was selected through a national competition and will receive £5 million of government funding. It brings together cultural organisations, universities, businesses and public bodies from across Newcastle and Gateshead.
The exhibition will provide an opportunity to showcase the North’s creativity, industrial heritage and contribution to innovation to visitors from across the country.
Newcastle and Gateshead are home to nationally significant cultural institutions, outstanding universities and a growing creative economy. The successful bid reflects the strength of those organisations and their willingness to work together around an ambitious vision for the region.
Culture is an essential part of Newcastle’s identity. It supports employment, education, tourism and activity in the city centre while giving residents opportunities to participate in the arts.
The exhibition will allow local artists, designers and organisations to reach new audiences. It should also encourage more visitors to explore Newcastle and Gateshead, supporting hotels, shops, restaurants and other businesses.
Our Labour-led council will work with Gateshead Council and the organisations involved to ensure that the exhibition creates benefits lasting well beyond 2018.
That means using the programme to strengthen cultural partnerships, promote the region nationally and encourage further investment in the North’s creative industries.
Winning the competition demonstrates what Newcastle and Gateshead can achieve through cooperation. We look forward to welcoming visitors and presenting a confident, modern and creative North to the country.
Leader of Newcastle Labour, Cllr Nick Forbes said:
“Newcastle and Gateshead have earned this opportunity through an ambitious partnership bid. The Great Exhibition will bring national attention to northern creativity and innovation while supporting our cultural organisations, visitor economy and local jobs.”