Moving on Up, Moving on Out – Research Launch Event

Dr Martyn Hudson has been researching the social and economic benefits of The NewBridge Project. The retention of artists within the creative economy of the North East and looking at measures of value that accrue to the City of Newcastle specifically, have been part of the research. Particularly exciting have been the ways in which the artists have responded to themes of social justice and inclusion within the city and measurable ways in which the transformative power of arts and design work can be perceived.



Martyn was joined by guests:

Hans Moller, former Chief Executive of Sweden’s Ideon Science Park & Director of Innovation at North East LEP;

Julie Sanders, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Newcastle University;




Sarah Munro, Director of Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art and

John Tomaney, Professor at University College London (UCL).

They shared insights into the impact of arts and culture and creative hubs on cities and responded directly to some of the conclusions of the research.


It was also a great chance to see a slideshow of photos taken by Kuba Ryniewicz of NewBridge studio holders.

The NewBridge Project was established in 2010, as part of a meanwhile project based from Norham House, a 27,000 ft2 office block, within the East Pilgrim Street area of Newcastle, marked for redevelopment and eventual demolition. For nearly 7 years it has been home to a vibrant community of artists, supporting hundreds of artists through; provision of studio & workspace, artist training & development programmes and a pioneering artist-led programme of exhibitions, commissions and events. In April, we bid farewell to our current building after 7 years, and are moving on to pastures new.



Moving on up, Moving on out, is a month long exhibition and programme of events, celebrating The NewBridge Project and the people who make it what it is.