• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

North East Connected

Hopping Across The North East From Hub To Hub

OverWhatever the weather this week and weekend there will be a rainbow Over Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter.

To coincide with a series of events celebrating the gay community (LGBTQ) around the city, a striking installation has been erected beside Newcastle’s latest luxury hotel at Stephenson Quarter, near Central Station.

Entitled, ‘Over’, the three-metre high art installation was created by Hartlepool artist Stuart Langley, to capture the wonder of a rainbow in a modern sculptural form.

Stuart said: “The sculpture is a modern interpretation of a rainbow. It’s a symbol of discovery, diversity and shared hopes. Over invites us to look beyond the now and bathe in a more colourful reflection of the future where difference is celebrated and discrimination is well and truly over. I hope people visiting Stephenson Quarter will enjoy and engage with it.”

The artwork – the first time it’s been displayed in Newcastle – was originally commissioned by Middlesbrough Community Pride, Teesside University, Middlesbrough Council and the Middlesbrough Police Commissioner during 2015. The current display – on until Sunday July 17 – is supported by Teesside University, Arts Council England and Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter.

Over was this month part of the larger Curious? two day arts festival across Newcastle and Gateshead.  Curious? launched the Northern Pride fringe programme, supported by Arts Council England.

Andrew Fox, general manager of the hotel, said: “We’re keen to encourage and promote regional artists and Over is just the first of a likely series of displays of public art in and around the hotel. Such installations bring colour, imagination and curiosity to the area.

“Looking ahead, Clouston Group the developer of Stephenson Quarter, has ambitious plans to locate some unique sculptures by internationally renowned artists around the site.”

By admin