THE high profile sinking of the Arc, the debt-ridden arts centre in Stockton, raises concerns about Cleveland's cultural life.

Critics claimed it staged unsuitable events in the wrong area of Stockton - some even said Stockton was the wrong town.

While the town's riverside has improved dramatically, the hi-tech Arc was based in the back streets and surrounded by drabness. It replaced the Dovecot arts centre, which had a loyal if small clientele.

The Dovecot shut while the Arc was built and this itself created a barren cultural period.

When the Arc eventually opened, it was closed on Sundays. There were financial problems, technical glitches and staffing difficulties. Questions were asked about its almost non-existent marketing. Arts fans struggled to find a programme and when they did, the contents left many cold.

The Arc had numerous bars but no dedicated art gallery. Money problems continued and it shut its cinema for two months.

For whatever reasons, there appears to be a lack of joined-up thinking within Teesside about the arts.

Middlesbrough, Stockton's arch rival, hopes to build a new central gallery. It has already revamped the Captain Cook and Dorman museums, which were badly out of date.

The old Cleveland Gallery had a substantial collection of art and the Cleveland Crafts Centre shows excellent ceramics, jewellery and furniture. Getting all this under one roof would be a good thing. But will there be space for theatre, poetry or music?

For too long, arts lovers in places like Stokesley, Saltburn, Great Ayton and Guisborough have made long journeys to Darlington, York, or Newcastle for a cultural night out.

Surely they would support a warm, accessible and well promoted arts venue? While town halls and parish churches are important, there remains a lack of professionally-run arts venues on Teesside. Can the Arc be re-floated or is this situation set to continue?