Member Article

Public sector leaders gather for major regional culture conference

The impact that the cultural sector is having on the region’s economy and the way it is perceived by other regions will be the topic under discussion at an event being held in Newcastle today. Public sector leaders from across the North East will be attending the Capturing Cultural Value event at the Vermont Hotel where they will find out more about the importance of conducting research around the region’s thriving cultural sector. They will also hear the findings of recent research, which highlighted that people believe the development of NewcastleGateshead Quayside is improving the national image of the region, and that the Sage Gateshead contributed £43m to the region’s economy – making it the most significant English arts venue outside London.Among those attending the event are the Arts Council England, local authorities, the North East Assembly, Northumbria University, One NorthEast, Skills North East, the Sage Gateshead, Tees Valley Joint Strategic Partnership and the University of Durham.Alec Coles, Director of Tyne and Wear Museums, is one of the event’s key speakers. He said: “Recent research by the museums sector has proven that museums and other cultural institutions make a major contribution to the social welfare and the well-being of individuals and communities. “We can now clearly show ways in which cultural engagement can contribute to learning, confidence, socialisation and mental health and well-being.“The event has been organised by NERIP (the North East Regional Information Partnership), Culture North East and the Association of North East Councils (ANEC).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .