Several regions’ tourism has received financial help from the National Lottery to help attract more visits to the area. The English Arts Council, as well as the HLF, have partnered up to deliver £4m to support the areas between the River Wear and River Tees, as well as Sunderland and the Tees Valley.
The Northern Heartlands programme is going to be funded through Visit County Durham with nearly £1.5m, while Sunderland Culture is supported by over £1.25m and the Tees Valley Combined Authority with £1.3m.
Graham Young, the current chairman of the Northern Heartlands, stated that they have many ideas to put culture, heritage, arts and even landscape in the heart of their communities and they cannot wait to get started. He added that culture comes various forms and mixing the projects that will benefit from the funding proves it. To be chosen to lead the scheme is quite rewarding and will help them build on Tees Valley’s heritage as well as the art scene which is already vibrant.
Sunderland Culture is a brand new organisation which was set up by the City Council in Sunderland, as well as the MAC Trust and even the Sunderland University. The organisation will use the money to lead a project that is called Sunderland Comes of Age.
Sarah Maxfield, who works for Arts Council England, stated that the funding from the National Lottery they will invest in towns and rural areas across the North is going to bring both social and economic benefits.
