Member Article

Darlington Building Society backs arts enterprise programme

A North East building society is backing an arts enterprise scheme which is geared towards helping disadvantaged people in the region.

Art for Enterprise is run by the North East Enterprise Trust, a community interest company which aims to help young people and adults in some of the most disadvantaged areas.

The programme works by inviting a maximum of 50 community-spirited individuals, groups and businesses to purchase a special bond and make a charitable donation of £1,300.

In return the supporter receives a unique collection of limited edition signed and numbered artworks created by nine talented artists in the region, with the proceeds being invested in the trusts’ words.

Darlington Building Society has given its support to the scheme, with Chief Executive Colin Fyfe unveiling nine pieces of art at Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle.

He said: “Art for Enterprise is an exciting initiative and one that we were keen to get involved with.

“Not only are we helping talented local artists to get recognised but through our funding we are providing additional support to our local communities.”

Mike Storey, Chief Executive at The North East Enterprise Trust, added: “It’s important we look for new and exciting ways to help people whilst investing in our local communities.

“Art for Enterprise enables the trust to do this by engaging with businesses, organisations and people who really are community-spirited.

“In addition to supporting art and artists, the surplus from this initiative, like the trusts’ other work, will be used to help people in the form of self-development and community awards, giving them a small amount of money and a confidence boost to move ahead in life.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .