I was delighted to attend the opening of Horizon Art Studios at Spectrum Business Park in Seaham last Thursday. It was wonderful to meet many aspiring artists in our local area and the great people that are working so hard to make the project happen.

The studio brings together Regeneration North East which was founded in 2018 and the newly formed Lighthouse View Artists Cooperative. Who along with the building owner and property company, recognised the potential impact this project could have on the local community and young people.

The new Art Studio is a great asset to our area as it enables all people to participate in the creative industries and provides an opportunity to develop their craft. The studio is a bold, exciting and ethical arts space that will help local people who have an interest in art and design, pursue their artistic passions. They aim to use the space to support better mental health, offer work placement opportunities to young aspiring artists, and support new and emerging artists to potentially build their own businesses. These are all services that the wider community will benefit from.

I believe that Horizon Studios will be crucial in putting East Durham on the map as a Centre for art and cross-disciplinary research. I am really looking forward to seeing what the artists produce in the future and I thank them for the brilliant service you are providing for our local community.

At the same time as this new studio is opening in our local area, East Durham is being recognized nationally for its already established artworks. I was thrilled to hear that our locally treasured “Tommy” sculpture, has been voted as the best contemporary outdoor artwork in the UK. The local artist, Ray Lonsdale, is behind the well-loved masterpiece, and I would like to congratulate him on this achievement. It is wonderful to know that our “Tommy” is admired by so many in East Durham and beyond.