A NORTH EAST hotel has come up with a rather unusual way of celebrating talent across the region - with an impressive attraction running until Sunday.
The INNSiDE Newcastle on the quayside is showing the faces of 18 of the city's 'cultural leaders' on its windows, lighting up tonight and tomorrow night.
Part of the hotel's 'INNSiDERS of Newcastle' event, the city's MP Chi Onwurah and singer/songwriter Andrew Cushin is among those faces.
Scott Brown, Cluster Director of Sales at INNSiDE UK, said the installation would only remain on the quayside for the limited time as he described it as a "fantastic" spectacle.
Read more: We stayed at the new INNSiDE Newcastle hotel - and this is what we thought
Launching on Thursday evening, its river facing windows were transformed into individual pieces of artwork with huge portraits displayed behind a backdrop of colourful lights.
INNSiDE Newcastle said it wanted its event to highlight the city's leaders making a difference in their area of expertise, from bakeries to artists and musicians.
Over the past several weeks, it had been choosing some of the best talent in their individual areas and had asked them to take part.
It comes as the hotel opened its doors to Newcastle for the first time on May 17 after almost three years in the planning.
Read more: TV chef and former I'm a Celeb star coming to new INNSiDE Newcastle hotel
A spokesperson for INNSiDE said: "For four nights only, the INNSiDERS of Newcastle project aims to shine a spotlight on 18 individuals in the city, capturing the community through the lens."
'This brings together the people of Newcastle'
Scott Brown, Cluster Director of Sales at INNSiDE UK, said the installation brought something quite different to the city.
He said: “INNSiDE by Melia’s ethos is to bring the culture of the city into their hotels, with each stay enriched with music, art and wellness curated by the hotel’s local experts.
"The INNSiDERS of Newcastle campaign brings this philosophy to life by praising the people of the city that help bring Newcastle’s culture to life and make it what it is.
"We are delighted with the INNSiDERS we have on board for this, there is a real mix of individuals and sectors celebrated, it really shows off Newcastle’s vibrant community.
“So far this has been a digital project, bringing together the people of Newcastle, but now our INNSiDERS were able to stand together outside the hotel and celebrate this momentous occasion.
"It really does look fantastic from the waterfront – and we welcome the city to come and visit this exceptional art exhibition, which will only be here until Sunday, midnight."
Who's included in the attraction?
The hotel chain said the 18 faces include cultural leaders in their area of expertise, and includes a range of well-known and up and coming figures in their field:
- Harry Vaulkhard, Founder of Newcastle Gin
- Ste Dunn, Director of Northern Pride
- Professor Katy Shaw, Director of Partnerships at Northumbria University
- MP Chi Onwurah
- Steve Beharall, Head of Foundation at Newcastle United Foundation
- Tim Wilson, Managing Director at Atomhawk
- David Kenzie and Murray Rhind, Kennedy & Rhind
- Chris Jackson, Yoga Therapies
- James Dixon, LinesBehind
- Mark Nichols & Peter Darrant, Pride Radio
- Colin Heseltine, North East Art Collective
- Sarah Green, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI)
- Simon Laing, CBK Adventures
- Tania Love, Faulkner Browns Architects
- Kay Quickfall and Katie Deacon, Pet Lamb Patisserie
- Ben Hale, Edge Film & Ben Hale Film
- Megan Jepson, Photographer
- Andrew Cushin, Musician
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