THE chief executive of the board of Northern Arts is to stay in the post for another five-year term.

Andrew Dixon has been involved in fundraising and advice for many of the region's most ambitious projects, including Sunderland's National Glass Centre, Music Centre Gateshead, the Angel of the North and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts.

He joined Northern Arts as assistant director in 1989 and was appointed chief executive in February 1997.

George Loggie, chairman of Northern Arts, said: "Andrew has proved himself a highly effective champion of the arts in the North.

"We are delighted to have secured his commitment to sign up for another five years at Northern Arts.

"His vision, sound management and national influence is of huge value to the region."

Mr Dixon said: "It is a privilege to work with the artists and arts organisations in this region.

"We have made great strides in our 40 years as a development agency, but there is still much more to be done."

His new term starts in February next year.