National Glass Centre

National Glass Centre and the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art in Sunderland are to receive funding of £1.1million over three years.

The announcement today from Arts Council England included both organisations in the new National portfolio funding programme - which replaces the scheme for Regularly Funded Arts organisations.

The National Glass Centre submitted a joint application with the city-owned Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art, which has been awarded £1.123m over three years, representing an uplift for both organisations.

Nationally, 1,333 arts organisations submitted an application to receive funding from the 2012-15 national portfolio funding programme.

A spokesperson for the University of Sunderland and Sunderland City Council submission team said: “We are very pleased indeed to be placed on the national portfolio funding programme. Our inclusion is testament to the quality of the arts offer in Sunderland and clear recognition of Sunderland’s contribution to the arts at a national level.

“The funding will help the National Glass Centre and the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art play a significant role in the arts offer for the city, the North East, as well as nationally. This new arrangement will also lead to a greater collaboration between the university and the city council, allowing us to deliver a very strong and attractive visual arts provision.”