BAE pull their sponsorship of Great Exhibition
WEAPONS GIANT WILL ‘REDIRECT ITS SUPPORT’
A WEAPONS manufacturer will no longer be supporting the Great Exhibition of the North.
BAE Systems has announced it will “redirect” support which had been promised to the Newcastle and Gateshead cultural festival.
The decision comes after its sponsorship provoked outcry from a number of artists including Radio 1 DJ Lauren Laverne, who said the sponsorship “raised questions” for her.
Singer Nadine Shah also withdrew from the event, citing her anger over the defence giant’s involvement.
The Sage and the Baltic both “acknowledged” artists’ concerns and stated that neither venue would receive any BAE funds.
A spokesperson for BAE said: “With our significant presence in the North of England, BAE Systems is a strong supporter of the Northern Powerhouse, which recognises the important contribution that the region makes to the UK.
“As a world leader in advanced engineering and technology, BAE Systems also plays an important role in ensuring that we address the UK skills gap, encouraging more young people to study critical STEM subjects and supporting their career development.
“While BAE Systems remains supportive of the aims of the Great Exhibition we have decided to redirect our support to other initiatives better suited to both our skills and innovation objectives and in support of the industrial strategy of the North of England.”
A spokesperson for the Great Exhibition of the North said: “We accept and respect BAE Systems’ decision.
“Working with all of our partners, funders, supporters and contributors, we remain focused on delivering a successful event which will shine a spotlight on the North’s great art and culture, design and innovation.
“It’s a significant opportunity to raise the profile of the North, change outdated perceptions and drive future growth and we are absolutely committed to achieving this success for the benefit of all of us who live, work and do business here.”