Arts and crafts in Tyne and Wear

(including Gateshead, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland) is in the North East of England. It has a population of around 1,100,000 and covers approximately 54,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Durham, Northumberland

The county of Tyne and Wear was created in 1974, has a border on the North Sea coast and is located at the mouths of the River Tyne and River Wear. Within the county are the boroughs of Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and the cities of Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland. Built between 1994 and 1998 in Gateshead, the Angel of the North quickly become a famous regional landmark. The steel sculpture is 20 metres (66 feet) high and is 54 metres (177 feet) wide from wing tip to wing tip. During the industrial revolution heavy industries such as mining and shipbuilding became a major part of the local economy. Though some manufacturers remain, the areas traditional industries began to decline during the twentieth century. In recent years the service sector, tourism, education, the arts, creative and cultural industries have increased. Performing arts venues in Tyne and Wear include the Sunderland Empire, the Newcastle Arts Centre, the Customs House in South Shields, the Playhouse Whitley Bay, the Sage Gateshead and the Theatre Royal in Newcastle upon Tyne.

There are a number of galleries and museums in Tyne and Wear. The Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne has a collection including paintings, sculpture, glass and ceramics. It is also a venue for cultural and educational events and exhibitions of contemporary art. The Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art in Sunderland hosts exhibitions of work by emerging as well as established artists, from across the United Kingdom and overseas. The large exhibition space has the flexibility to be adapted for a variety of shows such as paintings, photography, sculpture, installation art and multi-media. Artists including Sam Taylor-Wood and Adam Chodzko received commissions and had the opportunity to show their work early in their careers and the gallery also runs activities such as visual arts workshops and educational events. Located on a quayside in Gateshead, the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art is housed in a converted Flour Mill and hosts various arts exhibitions and events. Visitors can enjoy a good view of the surrounding area from the 5th floor viewing box. Other attractions in Tyne and Wear include the National Glass Centre in Sunderland, South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, Seaton Delaval Hall, the Great North Museum in Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.