New artistic initiative to showcase North Eastern talent
ArtsBank, a new privately funded initiative that aims to showcase artistic talent from across the North East and beyond, is set to launch a gallery and arts centre in April in Teesside.
The initiative is the brainchild of film maker Craig Hornby, artist Paul Ingram and successful local business man Bryan Goodall who, with a £600,000 initial investment, have acquired and renovated a beautiful Victorian property in Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The property, which was previously an HSBC bank, has been tranformed into a five floor gallery and centre for the arts.
At its launch in April, ArtsBank will showcase the work of over 80 North East based visual artists, representing the array of talent the North has to offer from painters and photographers to sculptors and craftspeople. ArtsBank aims to give artists the widest exposure possible whether they are renowned or unknown through both the arts centres commercial gallery and shop and by providing access to a huge international online marketing facility via the ArtsBank website.
One of the main aims of ArtsBank is to inspire people from all backgrounds to participate in the cultural life of the region and to raise the cultural profile of an area that is often neglected, hoping to encourage new creative work across all mediums especially among the young. ArtsBank will provide classes and workshops, strengthening links with local schools, colleges and community groups.
ArtsBank will also act a a live venue, hosting a range of events and talks, and will provide a platform for local musicians and film makers to showcase their work. In addition the arts centre will include a free of charge mini cinema which will show short films of local interest and ArtsBank's own movies daily.
The ArtsBank centre will be open to the public from Easter weekend. To find out more visit the ArtsBank website.