On Friday Emma visited The Customs House to show her support for the beloved local arts centre, and promote its work by becoming a Customs House Custodian.
The Customs House attracts over 250,000 visitors to South Shields each year, and hosts dozens of public performances, arts workshops and community groups.
To raise money to continue funding its exciting programme of events, The Customs House is asking local people to become Custodians by donating just £3 a month.
Arts centres across the country have faced severe cuts in recent years, and the Chancellor announced last year that Arts Council England is set to lose a further 5% of its budget in 2015/16.
Emma said:
“The Customs House is a hugely important part of our town, and is home to so many great memories for people in Shields. It has given so much to our community, and I am proud to be able to give something back by becoming a Custodian.
“When times are tough funding for the arts tends to suffer, but The Customs House is so valuable not just because of the visitors it brings to Shields and the amazing outreach work they do, but because it entertains and inspires people. I don’t want to see those things neglected, and I hope that as a town we can all pitch in to keep the venue a hub of excitement and creativity.”
People interested in becoming a Custodian can visit the Customs House website at http://www.customshouse.co.uk/support-us/donate-now, or visit the box office.