Newcastle threatens art gallery closure

A RESCUE package was being negotiated at Newcastle University this week following protests over proposals to close its Hatton Gallery.

An independent trust to safeguard the future of valuable works by artists such as Francis Bacon and Kurt Schwitters could be formed with the Northern Arts Association.

Andrew Dixon, chief executive of Northern Arts, said the solution could be a creative way forward, but much uncertainty still surrounds the gallery, which has been targeted for closure by the university as a cost-cutting measure.

A university spokesman said the gallery's running costs amounted to Pounds 75,000 annually, but stressed that two other university galleries would be boosted if the Hatton was closed.

"It is with great regret that we take this course of action but there is a need to concentrate scarce resources," he said. "Something has to go."

The university said works in the gallery would probably be placed with other organisations in the city.

But Bill Varley, the director of the Newcastle University's art foundation course, said the gallery's closure could give a green light to other institutions looking to cut costs.

"This will be a test case watched carefully by other universities," he said.

All Newcastle needed to do was heat and light the gallery, Mr Varley said, as the running could be left to graduates. "It would be a catastrophe if this gallery goes."