Lights out at charity set up to promote northern art
Funding lack prompts closure
New Light Art, the charity dedicated to raising the profile of contemporary art across the north of England, has announced its closure.
The decision follows an unsuccessful funding application to Arts Council England and comes three months after its art collection was auctioned by Anderson & Garland.
The charity was founded in 2010 by Annette Petchey to counter what was seen as the London-centric nature of the art world.
It was best known in the North East for its New Light Art Prize where artists with a northern connection were invited to submit work for the charity’s touring exhibition.
The exhibition proved a popular attraction at the Biscuit Factory art gallery in Newcastle and the Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle.
The charity also had an education programme called Art for All, while pieces from its New Light Collection were displayed in hospitals and other places to spark conversations or bring joy or solace.
New Light Art grew from a single exhibition at The Mercer Gallery in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
The success of that initial venture led to the regular 15-month tours, taking the best submissions to galleries across the North and also showcasing the work of northern artists at London’s Bankside Gallery.
Rebekah Tadd, CEO of New Light, said: “We are sad to announce the closure of New Light but are extremely proud of what we have achieved since its inception.
“New Light is a small charity but we have done some amazing things, working in partnership with wonderful organisations, curators and judges to create inspiring exhibitions in magnificent galleries that truly shine a light on our northern talent.
“This was made possible with the generous support of our erstwhile patron, Valeria Sykes, and several corporate sponsors.
“Each exhibition has been unique; the high quality of the artwork has astounded visitors and attracted new audiences, curators and collectors.
“As a result of the New Light Prize, we have seen emerging northern artists flourish into household names and established artists sell their work to brand new audiences.
“It has been a huge honour to be a part of our artists’ journey and I would like to thank everyone that has contributed to New Light over the years - artists, judges, curators, sponsors, Valeria Sykes and especially the New Light team, who have enabled the charity to deliver our ambitious programme.
“We are immensely proud to have been able to help put northern art firmly on the map.”