THE GLOBAL spotlight will fall on the North-East when hundreds of cultural and political leaders from around the world hold a meeting in the region, it was revealed yesterday.
The chairman of the International Federation of Arts Councils and Cultural Agencies (IFACCA), Risto Ruohonen yesterday announced that NewcastleGateshead will be host city for the World Summit on Arts and Culture from June 14 to 17 2006.
The meeting has previously been held in Canada and Singapore.
It is expected to attract an audience of about 500 cultural leaders, policy makers and regeneration managers from all over the world.
Other key heritage attractions and sites across the region will also be showcased, including Durham Cathedral and Hadrian's Wall.
Led by Arts Council England North East, the bid was supported by the NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), the Culture10 scheme, and regional partners.
Arts Council England North East executive director Andrew Dixon said: "It was a proud moment for the region to secure such a major event.
"The track record of the region in developing the arts over the last 20 years has been exceptional."
The Arts Council has also been working on international partnerships with Singapore, South Africa and the Baltic states, and will use the World Culture Summit to cement other collaborations for cultural organisations in both the North-East and the rest of England
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