Great Exhibition of the North – What is it, where is it and when is it on?
A SHOWCASE of the great creative, cultural and design sectors across the whole of the North of England is to be held in Newcastle and Gateshead in 2018.
Government is contributing £5 million towards the Great Exhibition of the North and a further £15 million into a legacy fund to attract further cultural investment in the Northern Powerhouse.
The city fought off tough competition from Blackpool, Bradford and Sheffield, who were also shortlisted, but was declared the winner on the recommendation of the Great Exhibition Board chaired by Sir Gary Verity.
Sir Verity said: "Newcastle-Gateshead put forward an exciting and innovative bid to host the Great Exhibition of the North.
"Their ambitious plans will showcase fantastic venues across the city and highlight their unique heritage, culture and design.
"People from across the country can expect an amazing show in summer 2018.
"I’d like to thank the eight other towns and cities for their fantastic bids and I’m looking forward to working with them to help ensure that the Exhibition has the widest possible reach across the whole of the North."
The Great Exhibition of the North will take place in Summer 2018 and will celebrate the creativity of Northern England, help boost investment and tourism in the region and leave a lasting cultural legacy.
Plans for the event include three walking circuits around Tyneside focusing on arts, design and innovation, a major exhibition hub at the Great North Museum, an innovative programme of new artistic and creative commissions called 'Hancock', an entertaining and informative summer camp at Exhibition Park for families and an extensive learning programme.
Culture Secretary, Karen Bradley, said: "The Great Exhibition of the North is fantastic news for Newcastle-Gateshead.
"It will showcase the dynamic arts, cultural and design scenes in the city and across the whole of the North.
"It's so important that, regardless of where you're from in the country, everyone is able to enjoy and access great culture.
"This cultural investment will bring enormous benefits to the region, including regeneration, increased tourism and cultural engagement.
"Congratulations to Newcastle-Gateshead on their successful bid, I'm excited to see what Summer 2018 will bring."
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