Metro becomes new platform for the arts

Tyne and Wear Metro operator Nexus have launched their biggest ever community arts programme which will see various performances at stations over the coming months.

Branded as the Metro Takeover programme, it will see major regional arts organisations including Sunderland Culture,

Dance City and Cultural Spring run community projects and commissions at stations across the system.

Until spring 2022, Metro will be brought to life in new ways through music, dance and visual arts projects involving people across the NorthEast and funded by Arts Council England.

Newcastle-based South paw Dance Company marked the launch at Sunderland’s Park Lane with a dance specially co-commissioned by Nexus and Dance City and choreographed by Robby Graham, of Southpaw Dance Company.

Titled REACH, it was performed by 14 emerging dance artists that are part of the postgraduate company The Collective, based at Dance City.

The Customer Services Director at Nexus, Huw Lewis, said: “We will be turning Metro into a platform for community arts and live performances by creative people from across North East England over the coming year. “From next month, with the support of cultural partners and Arts Council England, we will be promoting opportunities for communities to join new visual and performing arts projects with Metro providing a reach to new audiences. Creative arts and the barriers it breaks down are a great way to help people re connect with Metro in their everyday lives.”