North East culture campaign launches 15-year vision

A campaign has been launched to make the North East the UK's leading cultural capital.

The 'Case for Culture' manifesto outlines the region's cultural vision for the next 15 years. It says investment in culture will benefit people, places and the economy in the North East, helping to build and sustain a better future for the entire region.

The 'Case for Culture' manifesto has been launched by the North East Culture Partnership, which is formed of 12 local authorities alongside arts and cultural organisations, sport and tourism, and businesses and educational organisations.

The partnership aims to spread the benefits of arts, culture and heritage across the region by reaching an extra 500,000 people per year, boosting economic growth and job creation.

It is hoped the campaign will increase access to culture for young people across the North East.

The partnership says they will achieve their aims by increasing the planned funding from £100 million to at least £300 million over the next five years.