Arts group welcomes Gallery of Sanctuary status
A culture of inclusivity
Gallery of Sanctuary status has been awarded to The NewBridge Project in Shieldfield, Newcastle, in recognition of its support for refugees and asylum seekers.
In gaining this recognition from City of Sanctuary UK, the artist-led studio complex joins Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead and the Hatton Gallery in Newcastle.
Newcastle-based D6: Culture in Transit is also part of the City of Sanctuary UK network as are the amenities managed by North East Museums (which include the Hatton).
The timely announcement comes just ahead of Refugee Week (June 15 to 21).
A City of Sanctuary UK spokesperson said: “The commitment that The NewBridge Project has made to welcoming people with lived experience of seeking sanctuary is phenomenal.
“We can’t wait to see more of the work to come.”
Rebecca Huggan, director of The NewBridge Project, welcomed the endorsement, saying: “We’re delighted to have been recognised for the work we do to create a welcoming and inclusive space here at NewBridge.
“Shieldfield is an amazing place and since relocating here we’ve co-created a range of programmes in response to people’s needs and interests.
“This includes our much-loved coffee mornings, Saturday socials, memory café and Shieldfield Youth Programme, where people come to meet others, make friends, take part in creative activities and learn new skills.
“We celebrate the many cultures that shape and strengthen our community, with recent events for Eid al-Fitr, Enkutatash and Ethiopian Gena.
“Alongside our local partners, we will keep creating inclusive opportunities and programmes with our communities - the friends and neighbours who are making Shieldfield a great place to live and work.”
Programme director Frances Stacey added: “We want NewBridge to be a genuine community resource, working in partnership with local people and organisations to support Shieldfield as a flourishing, intercultural neighbourhood.
“Our work is rooted to the belief that art can create space to experiment, play, gather, listen and build solidarity.”
Dan Goodman, the newly appointed communities producer, said NewBridge had worked hard to achieve its new status.
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of the organisation, especially with Refugee Week in June, and I’m looking forward to building on these successes alongside our neighbours and with the support and expertise of the Gallery of Sanctuary network”
Meanwhile Kaltouma Hassaballah, local artist, chef and NewBridge communities facilitator, said: “We must fight against the loneliness and isolation experienced by women who now call Shieldfield their home.
“We must celebrate our unique cultures, share experiences and empower the next generation to be proud.”
Abundance, the recently opened new exhibition at The NewBridge Project, reflects the Gallery of Sanctuary ethos.
Created by artist and choreographer Lizzie Klotz and designer Bethany Wells, and inspired by conversations with Shieldfield residents, it runs until August 15.