Arts education boosted by partnership between The Customs House and local metal recycler, EMR

The Customs House, open to the residents of South Tyneside, has received support for its ‘Takeover’ project from EMR Tyne Dock.

The metal recycler donated £3,000 to support the ‘Takeover’ project, a week-long arts engagement experience. The project enabled 15 young people between 13 and 18 years old, to plan, market, deliver and evaluate an exhibition, offering a valuable insight into the arts industry and helping them to develop their creative leadership and events management skills.

Providing arts and entertainment for the entire community, The Customs House boasts a programme of live performances, cinema and visual arts, as well as projects for children and young people, which include learning and participation projects, schools learning programmes and the ‘Takeover’ project.

Keith Beswick, General Manager at EMR Tyne Dock, commented on the partnership:

“We have been proud to support The Customs House in a partnership dating back to 2019. Not only does the ‘Takeover’ project offer young people a creative outlet and the opportunity to hone their skills, I have also witnessed it going from strength to strength each year.

“Opportunities to develop creatively is something that young people struggle to find. This programme is vital for young people looking to pursue a career in the arts and offers an insight into the wonderful things their future might hold.”

Fiona Kelly, Learning and Participation at The Customs House shared her excitement for the continued partnership with EMR Tyne Dock:

“It’s been a privilege to be supported by EMR since 2019. We recognise in these challenging times how difficult it can be to justify charitable spending. We really value this contribution that enables us to work with children and young people across South Tyneside.”

Launched in 2020, EMR’s Young Futures Reimagined initiative aims to support young people across the country to build brighter futures. In 2021, the metal recycler supported over 40 projects across the UK.