Written question asked by Jim Cousins (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 5 March 2010. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 March 2010 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Museums and Galleries: Newcastle upon Tyne

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) whether Arts Council England has agreed a business plan for the Waygood Art Galley project, High Bridge, Newcastle;

Answer: To date Arts Council England has been unable to agree a business plan with the Waygood Gallery. Arts Council England has formally notified the Waygood Gallery that it is considering withdrawing revenue funding from the organisation. The final decision on Waygood Gallery's long-term funding will be made by Arts Council England's north east regional council on 31 March 2010. The Arts Council and Newcastle city council are committed to working closely together to ensure the successful opening of the studios on High Bridge.Since 2001, £630,380 was allocated to Waygood Gallery through Arts Council England's Regularly Funded Organisation programme and a further £49,778 was awarded through Arts Council England's lottery funded Grants for the Arts scheme.£130,000 was allocated directly to Waygood Gallery from Arts Council England's capital budget.

Secondary information