For eighteen years, the Port of Tyne has supported The Customs House and, in 2019, the Port is delighted to continue offering support for the venue’s Learning and Participation programmes – in its milestone 25th year.
Over the years, the Port has supported The Customs House to engage with almost 2 million people through live performance, cinema, visual arts, community initiatives and projects for children and young people.
In 2009, the Port’s support enabled the launch of The Casting Off project, which saw school children and knitters of all ages working together to completely cover a 20ft coble boat in knitting. The Coat for a Boat was displayed at The Customs House, before launching on the River Tyne as part of Mouth of the Tyne Festival.
2011 saw local knitters, dubbed The Materialistics, picking up their needles once again to recreate famous works of art, such as Warhol’s ‘Marilyn Monroe’ and Klimt’s ‘The Kiss.’
And, in 2014, the Coat for a Boat took centre stage again as part of Follow the Herring – a six-month collaboration between local people, and organisations of East coast fishing towns and communities, culminating in a national touring exhibition and theatrical performance.
More recently, the Port has lent its support to The Customs House’s Learning and Participation programmes, which enables children, young people and adults to engage through workshops, exhibitions, community groups, Youth Theatre, and dance groups.
Louise Tinkler, Director of HR and Communications at Port of Tyne, said: “We are delighted to continue our support for The Customs House in its 25th anniversary year. The Port of Tyne has been supporting The Customs House since 2001, enabling this thriving community hub to engage with thousands of local people each year.”
Ray Spencer MBE, Executive Director of The Customs House, said: “The Port of Tyne is the artery to the heart of our region; as near neighbours we are delighted to work with them and to have their support in so many of our projects, helping young people thrive.”
The Customs House has a combined economic impact of £6m each year engaging with more than 250,000 people; for more information, please visit: www.customshouse.co.uk/