Dear Sir,
I wonder just how many people in Newton Aycliffe are aware that Greenfield Arts is to be closed down at the end of August. Very few I suspect.
A bombshell news item which has attracted no publicity, no press comment, no concern and yet, for many years, ‘GA’ has performed a most useful function as a Centre of Culture, with frequent exhibitions of local and national talent. If I recall correctly, the last exhibition was drawn from Manchester (145 miles) and, like others, well beyond the reach of many Newton Aycliffe people in terms of time and money. Yet, even more importantly, for Newtonians it also means that the regular ‘Open Art’ showings of the works of our residents and local individuals, young and old , now have no showcase. That there is no longer a home for the many art based introductory and advanced ‘workshops’, held there each year. Thousands of visitors and participants annually. Would it be too much to ask for a reason or, more positively, the alternative offered?
The new venue? Or is it simply that ‘Culture’ is deleted with no alternative off the Newton Aycliffe menu?
The Town is rightly celebrating its 75th Anniversary which is attracting due praise and attention. It certainly has grown, possibly even beyond expectations. Yet this prompts me to ask how do we define progress? Much of its centre is dying. Access to the Town Centre is difficult for the physically impaired because car parking is now so limited or remote. Such people are being driven out of town. Where is there concern for its Centre of Culture, its arts, its crafts, its learning skills, its medically proven therapeutic value, its binding power, it’s positive contribution to the overall welfare of the population? Should that not also take its rightful place as an integral part in any ‘celebration’ of progress?
So, to those in authority, please let us all know what is the planned future of the Arts, of Culture in Newton Aycliffe? There is a great deal of local talent …. homeless and waiting … expectantly.
Yours faithfully
J D Whittaker