Press Release April 28th 2008

Northumberland’s Art Does the Business

Art, and the business of Art, is increasingly popular and increasingly valuable to the North East region. Now in its 13th year The Art Tour’s contribution is measured. Over the years it has attracted almost 100,000 visitors, who have spent during the tour in excess of £¾ million. This investment results in significant sales for all of the participating artists, not only during the Tour itself, but also throughout the year.

Now in its 13th year, Northumberland’s Art Tour which begins on Sunday June 8th is the foremost in the region. Artist’s studios and workshops will be open every Sunday from 11 am - 5 pm starting on the 8th of June and this year, for the first time there is an open weekend on the 12th and 13th of July. The Tour provides a platform for artists to open their doors to the public, and put them in direct touch with their market. Its role in promoting a lively vibrant economy is clear. It brings visitors to the doorsteps of Northumberland’s leading artists and raises the profile of this important industry.

It looks like further milestones will be reached this year. In 1996, there were 25 artists, 20 locations and 3,000 visitors. In 2007 there were 72 artists and 47 locations and over 11,000 visitors. In 2008, with Artists spread from Kirknewton in the North to Allenheads in the South the Tour’s organisers confidently hope to break all records.

The tour’s origins are founded in the following irony - there were very few galleries or outlets for artists to show their work in Northumberland, contrasted with a relatively high density of artists living and working in the County. When it started, the Art Tour, far from being simply a chance for visitors to experience art away from the pressures of everyday business, it was actually answering a huge business need.

Mr. Richard Walker, one of the North’s leading artists, and Chairman of the 2008 Art Tour steering group, is one of the driving forces: “Every year we see new artists joining the tour. What better way to discover more about our artists and their wonderful art, than poking around in their studios or sheds?! The Art Tour opens doors to artists’ lives and the building process of their work, which can be fascinating to see and makes the visitor understand the finished piece of work more.”

The Art Tour weekend, on Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th July, will allow visitors from outside the area to plan a weekend break to Northumberland, to explore the art studios and countryside at their leisure. Giles Ingram Chief Executive of Northumberland Tourism tells us why they are supporting The Tour through the Made in Northumberland Project:-

"Artists have been attracted to Northumberland in droves by the quality of landscape and light, ingredients that make a holiday destination special. Together with the Artists Network we want to capture the energy and creativity of our talented artists, and bring them to a wider audience. Building on the success of the established Art Tour, our Made in Northumberland team are working with the tourism and artist community to create a number of new weekend break art packages. As we move from an age of collecting possessions to one of collecting experiences, we believe there is a real market for Northumberland art breaks."

The Art Tour 2008 is sponsored by Lazy grace, who have also designed the new Network Artists website, www.networkartists.org.uk Art Tour brochures can be found in tourist information centres, galleries, visitor centres and attractions, or by calling 01661 852523 or emailing admin@networkartists.org.uk.

Additional Note –
Highlights of the 2008: In his studio at Bingfield, recently retired vicar and woodcarver, Christopher Lewis, will show for the first time his beautiful woodcarvings At Kirkharle, Artist Jenny Mathers has organised an international exhibition of work from Brisbane printmakersHexham based Matt Forster, owner of Artworks in Ouseburn, Newcastle, is taking part Mary Anne Roger’s stunning new gallery and studio at West Woodburn is open With a range of magnificent mirrors, and firescreens in a combination of stained glass and mosaic techniques glass artist, Willa Story, opens her workshop