Involvement in arts increases in county, says new report

Almost 50,000 more people were engaged in the arts through county council-supported organisations during 2014/15 than in the previous year.
Alnwick Playhouse.Alnwick Playhouse.
Alnwick Playhouse.

A report to Wednesday’s meeting of Northumberland County Council’s arts, leisure and culture overview and scrutiny committee revealed that 241,405 people were engaged through organisations funded by the local authority/Active Northumberland in the last financial year compared to 194,854 in 2013/14 and 186,281 in 2012/13.

Core funding is provided to eight organisations which include the county’s theatres, such as Alnwick Playhouse, as well as other arts groups, like Alnwick-based Northumberland Theatre Company and the Highlights Rural Touring Scheme.

Other funding to extend participation is provided for specific projects each year.