Arts and museums across the Borough given huge investment boost - here's all you need to know

Arts and museums activities across the Stockton-on-Tees Borough have been rewarded with funding totalling more than £3.8million over three years.

The Arts Council England investment for National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) across the country was announced today (November 4).

And the world-renowned Stockton International Riverside Festival (SIRF), Stockton ARC and Tees Valley Museums Group all received major cash boosts.

The funding, spread from 2023 until 2026, has been welcomed by SIRF's organisers, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council. 

Councillor Steve Nelson, the Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "The arts have always been hugely important to our area and this funding means residents in the Borough and beyond have so much to look forward to over the next few years.

"A world-class event like SIRF, arts venues such as ARC, and a much-loved museum like Preston Hall make an immeasurable contribution to people's pride and sense of local identity, as well as generating economic activity.

"The ever-popular SIRF is still going strong after more than 30 years and we really appreciate this funding, which will ensure it remains the centrepiece of our annual cultural offer.  

"And of course for the next three years we also host the Festival of Thrift in Billingham, which also secured Arts Council funding and is set to draw tens of thousands to the Borough.

"Preston Park Museum and Grounds remains our premier visitor attraction and this funding for Tees Valley Museum Groups will support exciting heritage activity at Preston Park and across the other museums of the Tees Valley.

"It's also important to consider how the top-class experiences on offer across the Borough increases footfall and therefore gives a huge boost for the local economy."

Annabel Turpin, Chief Executive and Artistic Director at ARC, said: "This is brilliant news for the Borough and the Tees Valley.

"ARC's core funding and extra investment means we can continue to offer fantastic events and activities for even more people, despite the current financial challenges that we all face.

"We're also delighted to welcome two new national cultural sector agencies to ARC. Hosting Future Arts Centres and Family Arts Campaign will help strengthen our work as well as providing leadership for the whole sector.

"This is an incredibly positive picture for the whole Borough and a great reflection of the ongoing support we receive from Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council."

You can find out more on the NPO Investment Programme by visiting the Arts Council England website.

For Council news direct to your inbox sign up to our My Council Newsletter.