£200,000 boost for Newcastle's Northern Print
ARTISTS, school children, students, community groups and art lovers across the North-East are set to benefit from £200,000 of capital investment funding that has been awarded to Northern Print, the region’s centre for original printmaking. The organisation is currently making substantial improvements to its building and facilities thanks mainly to Arts Council England’s Capital Funding Initiative and the Biffa Award as well as a number of smaller contributions from other trusts and foundations and individual donations.
The exciting development comes as Northern Print celebrates its 21st anniversary and since its move from North Shields Fish Quay in 2006 to its current home in an award-winning renovated building in the heart of Ouseburn. The successful move has led to a steady growth in gallery visitor figures, studio members and people attending Northern Print's classes and courses and the high demand for facilities has demonstrated a need for more space and printmaking equipment.
The funding will enable Northern Print to offer affordable and free access to digital equipment such as a large format digital printer and a laser cutter and as well as offering expert tuition.
The first stage of the building work is completed which will house the organisation's growing archive of prints from its 21- year history in addition to accommodating the archive from the Birgit Skiöld Memorial Trust documenting the substantial career of the acclaimed printmaker. The archive of prints will be catalogued over the coming year and presented as a learning resource for all.
Viv Hardwick
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