By Jo Howell
The Observer Article 05/03/2023
^^^click the link to read the article^^^
As the uk government pulls apart our right to protest, this merry band of believers begins in earnest to try to save our riverside arts venues: the National Glass Centre, and the National Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Sunderland has a great history of successful protest. Apparently, we were the home of the first strike. We also have a great history of art. The university building in back house park is the oldest purpose built art school. We are a city of innovators, engineers, artists, and grafters.
We are often misrepresented in the press with negative views like it’s grim up north. We are a city targeted by right wing propagandists, and the military always comes here to recruit.
We are a City that is trying to change its fortunes. There has been a lot of investment driven to the riverside with our new City Hall, and a big film studio about to to be developed. There are good things happening here that make us hopeful for a richer future full of opportunity. Unfortunately, it seems we can’t find the motivation to invest in the cultural successes we already have.
We see the National Glass Centre and the National Gallery of Contemporary Art as two of our most important cultural assets. We have other great things going on but I think if we let them go that they will be replaced with a subpar offering.
Should the next 3 years see the end of our longer than 1300 year love affair with glass blowing and making? If cared for and invested in, these organisations would surely compliment the new investments?
Glass art is often used in filmmaking. If there’s a period drama or fantasy (think Game of Thrones) they need glasses to drink from. An artisan blower is who they go to. Or, what about science fiction? There is always some unusual glass art in sci fi. Our film studios would have the additional bonus of having high end prop makers right next to them!
It’s a lot of money and responsibility entailed in saving, and future proofing, this building. But, it can be done. If we commit wholeheartedly, and do it right, a massive investment now could save it for another 25 year’s minimum. Bare minimum.
The steel structure need’s stripping and re-galvanised to stop it rusting further. Can the port help? They may have specialist knowledge about saving steel from the corrosive effects of sea water.
The building is thermally inefficient, and will not be able to contend with the energy crisis unless another round of investment includes some very clever green technologies. Photovoltaic panels, wind power, heat exchange, battery storage, and any other innovations that take us towards real efficiency.
We’re aware that we are asking a lot, but shy bairns get nowt.
By Jo Howell
#SaveTheNGC #SaveTheNGCA #Sunderland
❤️❤️❤️ Save the NGC and NGCA ❤️❤️❤️
Save the National Glass Centre 