Boom time for Arthouse-on-Sea

Dec 27 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

A FLOURISHING arts and culture organisation has taken another major step forward by acquiring its own arts centre and headquarters.

When Newbiggin-by-the-Sea Arts Forum was set up more than two years ago, one of its long-term goals was to make the village a place where artists could live and work in the community – in the same way as in arts communes in places such as Cornwall.

It was also hoped the group would give local people the chance to develop their own creative talents. Now the Forum is making strides towards both ambitions by taking over a redundant building near the village centre which has seen previous service as a family home, a Sure Start children’s unit, a healthy living centre and a public information point.

Woodhorn Villa will become the Forum’s permanent home and arts centre, as well as providing galleries and workshop space for artists and crafts people. One of its directors, Jason Thompson, said opening the building will be another piece in the jigsaw of Newbiggin’s regeneration as a place to live and work, as well as for tourists to visit.

He said the arts centre would be another attraction to draw people into the village, alongside the regenerated Newbiggin Bay and Couple sculpture, the nearby Woodhorn Museum and Archives Centre and plans to develop a maritime heritage centre near Church Point.

Mr Thompson said: “We will have some really exciting announcements to make in the very near future about professional artists who will be moving into the centre, and we believe people will travel from all over the area to see them at work. But the centre will also be a great base for local people.”

Mr Thompson is joined on the Forum’s board by Eddie Galvin, Rebecca McCready, Laura Mathieson and Rebecca de’Wessington. The lease for Woodhorn Villa has been granted by Wansbeck Council.

He said: “To give us the use of the building is a fantastic gesture to the people of Newbiggin by the council, and we are very confident it will quickly become a hub of village life.”

Coun Ken Parry, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “The Forum has sparked a real interest in the arts in Newbiggin since it began, and given many people the incentive and encouragement to try something new by way of a hobby or interest. Bringing all its activities together under one roof is a great idea.”

Find out more about Newbiggin Arts Forum at www.newbigginartsforum.org

To give us the use of the building is a fantastic gesture to the people of Newbiggin by the council