Local people and visitors to Newcastle will soon be able to enjoy more creative and accessible artwork in the city centre, thanks to a number of schemes that will also contribute to the area’s regeneration.
The four schemes will further develop the work of Creative Central NCL, the city’s cultural and creative zone that supports independent artists and upcoming creative businesses. The Creative Central NCL zone spans from the Grainger Market to the north, Life Science Centre to the south, the Common Room to the east, and Discovery Museum to the west.
Funded by Newcastle City Council and North East Combined Authority (NECA), Creative Central NCL is creating an inclusive, vibrant and distinctive district where local creative industries can thrive. It has already provided many opportunities for the sector, including commissions, funding, skills development and bespoke workspaces.
The four new schemes, delivered with the help of NE1 Ltd, will receive further funding from NECA’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The schemes will build on the successful development of the outdoor urban gallery that was launched on Forth Lane last year, creating artistic landmarks, improving the public realm and giving the areas a distinct identity. The improvements will also help make the areas feel safer and more welcoming, benefitting nearby businesses.
- The second phase of the Forth Lane scheme will bring more artwork and lighting to the street. It will also improve the wayfinding and connectivity from Central Station up through the city using creative interventions.
- The scheme for Pink Lane will create a unique identity for the street and make the area a destination in its own right, providing a safe and interesting walkway for people passing through the area. This project will be delivered in partnership with Newcastle NE1, who will lead on the engagement with local businesses and residents. Proposals include a creative lighting scheme, public artwork displays and rationalising refuse collection and waste management to reduce the number and presence of large commercial bins on the street, to further improve the look of the street, and provide businesses with a more sustainable and less obtrusive way to manage their waste.
- A variety of public art displays by local artists will be commissioned across the whole of the Creative Central NCL zone. These will include gable-end murals and fine art on traditional and more unexpected canvases, such as utility cabinets.
- The Grainger Market will also benefit from public art and creative wayfinding, complementing the ongoing improvement works and helping traders in the market to promote their businesses.
Cllr Abdul Samad, Cabinet member for Culture, Music and Arts at Newcastle City Council said: “It’s wonderful to see a growing variety of artwork bringing colour and vibrancy to our city centre, offering free public art for local people to enjoy and creating valuable opportunities for local artists to display and share their talents. I welcome the new schemes that will add to this.
“Creative Central NCL is making a huge impact by giving local artists and creatives a vital platform to develop and thrive, meaning they don’t feel the need to leave the city to succeed.
“Art and culture play a crucial role in the life of our city and in supporting the wellbeing of so many residents. It’s also inspiring to see this project transforming public spaces in such a striking and positive way.”
Tariq Albassam, Director of Operations at NE1 said: “Newcastle is home to an incredible community of talented artists and creatives, and we’re proud to be part of an initiative to channel this creativity into improving the economic fortunes of parts of the city.
“We have seen how improved lighting, murals and artistic installations have helped revitalise other areas of the city, and we’re excited to see the vision for Pink Lane take shape, and the artistic transformation enhance the street for the benefit of visitors, residents and businesses in the area.”