The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by former anti-apartheid campaigner Premier Balindlela, brings together museums and cultural bodies in the North East and South African counterparts in The Swallows Partnership.
The Partnership, known as Sihlanganiswa Ziinkonjane in South Africa’s Xhosa language, is named after the swallows that migrate between Eastern Cape of South Africa and north-east England. It was instigated by Arts Council England, North East, and now includes Tyne and Wear Museums, Northern Film and Media and Museums, Libraries and Archives North East, and local authorities.
"The Swallows Partnership is a unique cultural partnership between the North East of England and the Eastern Cape in South Africa,” said Councillor Mick Henry, Chair of the Association of North East Councils.
"The main objective is to develop friendship and co-operation between the countries’ citizens through a programme centred on the arts and culture, but it is expected that the project will expand to other fields of activity over the period of the partnership.”
The two regions have chosen to work together because of their similarities in experiencing huge industrial and social change, with similar industrial and port heritages.
"Culture is a vital feature in the cohesion of our communities and in creating a strong sense of place, belonging and identity,” continued Cllr Henry. “In view of this, the Association of North East Councils is pleased to offer support to such an innovative cultural initiative that reaches not only across the region but also has an international dimension.”
The Eastern Cape is keen to learn from the North East’s employment of arts and culture as a kick-start for regeneration. The delegation from South Africa currently visiting will be taking the opportunity to see some of the area’s icons of cultural regeneration, including the Angel of the North, Newcastle’s Grainger Town, The Sage Gateshead and the National Glass Centre in Sunderland.
They’ll also be looking at the traditional arts of the region with children in a school in rural County Durham and attend a football match at St James’ Park.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Gateshead Council Chamber on Thursday February 28 2008 and the project will involve a series of visits, exchanges, residencies and creative projects involving artists; arts practitioners; curators and museum staff as well as librarians; sports managers and film makers.
