Culture Northumberland Research Interviews #4
Claire Venus with Ros Lamont at Maltings Berwick-upon-Tweed
Good afternoon all.
Claire here. I’m aiming to publish more of the behind the scenes of our current research into the possibilities for Culture Northumberland. You can find our previous posts here.
This week, I meet with the CEO of the Maltings Berwick Trust; Ros Lamont. Ros has been working for the Maltings Berwick-upon-Tweed for nearly 10 years, 4 years as CEO.
The Maltings Berwick Trust operate 3 sites in Berwick – The Maltings; venue for live events and cinema, the Granary Gallery and the Gymnasium Gallery
I was keen to catch up on Ros’ NPO plans and developments up in Berwick. It’s been a while since I visited…
I’ve worked in Berwick many times over the last few years.
Although it’s on the east coast mainline and just a 45 minute train journey from Newcastle, train tickets are comparatively expensive and departures infrequent and so it’s a challenge to commute.
To me; the town has a very hyper local but welcoming feel.
Artists in Berwick have been priced out of living there in recent years and I’ve been keen to hear more about (and develop) a vision that considers and sustains Northumberland artists as we see more and more shifts into a ‘holiday’ destination feel across our Northumberland towns.
If you are unfamiliar; the Maltings Berwick is a receiving house cinema and theatre with a programme of visual art too. Based in the centre of Berwick it’s a creative hub for community engagement projects, a varied arts programme including award winning festivals and for the creative people of Berwick.
They say;
Our team are passionate about ensuring that high quality live performances, film, exhibitions, workshops, talks, and youth arts are accessible to everyone living, working and visiting Berwick and the surrounding area.
We have strong partnerships with local artists, community organisations, schools, universities and the wider cultural sector plus a well-established outreach programme – community and audience engagement are central to everything we do.
Ros and I talked about;
Current pressures on the cultural sector especially venues;
Cost of Living crisis and specifically the 200% utility bill increase for venues
Audience nervousness post covid
Price point of tickets
Access, diverse audiences
Being an NPO and the recent decision from Arts Council to extend the NPO funding to April 2027.
The success of their recent panto; 20% increase in ticket revenue! 🎉
The energy of being in ‘survival’ mode and shifting strategically with entrepreneurial spirit to being in ‘thrive’ mode.
Berwick Maltings have been partner hosts for Culture Northumberland co-working for a year or so. Ros is keen that the new building development offers more of this type of opportunity for local artists and creatives.
Read more, see dates and pop along to join in;
Ros is currently working in partnership with NCC to explore the possibility of a new building that is sustainable, fit for purpose and accesible. The new building will address the challenges of the current building and give more scope to support the organisation to plan long term and continue it’s celebrated and embedded place in the local community.
Ros and I talked about an idea that could potentially support artists building on the work of the ‘Commercialise without Compromise’ programme funded by the Newcastle CCZ programme. We are interested to explore this possibility with Create Berwick and would be keen to hear your thoughts if you are an artist living and working in Berwick.
🎙️
JOIN US FOR A LIVE PODCAST RECORDING
Continuing the conversation…
Leila D’aronville and I are recording a podcast episode on a topic with are both passionate about; Generosity.
And the best news you’re all invited!
More here and book your free spot. This is a total test of a new format for us and we’d be delighted if some of you want to join us live.
Our podcast will be an hour long and we’ll explore; Generosity, reciprocity and leadership in the arts and cultural sector. You’ll be welcome to ask questions in the chat live on zoom or leave them here in the comments? Join us 16th Feb at 10am and help shape our conversation, provocations and next steps.
Thanks for reading. We’d love to here more from you in the comments or in reply to this email.
Claire
Claire Venus
Culture Northumberland
