North East Statement Against Racism
 

Alongside many other cultural and heritage organisations in the region, our President Nick Hodgson has signed the North East Statement, 'We Stand to Denounce Racism' on behalf of the Antiquaries.

This reads,

“We stand to denounce racism in all its forms.

We, the cultural sector of Newcastle & Gateshead, declare that silence is not ok and silence is seen as complicity. Racism has no place in a just and humane society.

Whilst we cannot undo pain and neglect, we are calling on all of us in the arts, cultural, heritage sectors; professional and voluntary to work together to address racism and its deep roots. We must listen, have conversation and most importantly act, we know we need to do better. Everyone is part of the solution – artists, staff, trustees, partners, promoters, audiences and communities.

We want to tackle this together in sharing better understanding and practices. We stand united to bring about change in our thinking and actions as a collective of organisations and individuals.

In the weeks and months to come we will collectively act to build on this statement with concrete steps and actions to demonstrate our commitment to bringing about real change. We ask you to stand with us."

We will be keeping this page up to date, including a record of concrete actions we are taking to fulfil our commitment. As part of this, several of our members have been heavily involved in the publication of the 2021 calendar and booklet, African Lives in Northern England, and we have acted as fundholders for the project.