Partner Article

Northern Rock culture grants back on

The charitable arm of Northern Rock is reopening its grants programme for culture and heritage projects in the North East. Northern Rock Foundation plans to invest £2m in areas such as performing arts, exhibitions, and festivals.

Due to the bank’s troubles at the end of 2007, funding for culture and heritage schemes was cut in favour of those tackling social disadvantage. This was reviewed when the Foundation was promised at least £15m a year for the next three years. The first grants from the new programme are expected to be awarded from July this year.

Fiona Ellis, Director of Northern Rock Foundation, said: “The Foundation is really pleased to be investing again in the region’s culture and heritage. Last autumn, Trustees had to make very difficult decisions about scaling back their grant-making, but now with the continuing support of Northern Rock under its new ownership arrangements, we can expand our plans again.

“We know that cultural activities transform lives at all levels, and we have always supported projects that use the arts to connect with and inspire disadvantaged people. Our culture programme complements that by providing a dedicated stream of investment for excellent, high-profile projects that everyone can enjoy, but which also contribute to the North East and Cumbria’s continuing regeneration and growing pride.”

Mark Robinson, Executive Director, Arts Council North East, said: “The return of the Culture programme is very welcome news. This funding has made a huge contribution to the cultural regeneration and vitality of the region. The Trustees decision to reinstate the programme means that more organisations will be able to benefit from this support and make a contribution to that regeneration.”

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