(Image left to right: Sarah Green, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, Simon Laing, CBK Adventures, MP Chi Onwurah and Steve Beharall, Head of Foundation at Newcastle United Foundation)
- A celebration of the people of the city – with 18 individuals chosen for INNSiDERS of Newcastle campaign
- Waterfront art exhibition, with large-scale portraits displayed in 18 river-facing bedroom windows, for 4 nights only
- Displayed from Thursday 15 July – Sunday 18 July, illuminated from 9pm-12pm
INNSiDE Newcastle is celebrating its Quayside location and the region with the INNSiDERS of Newcastle campaign; bringing together a small collective of the city’s cultural leaders who are making a difference in the field that they operate in, from bakeries and artists to musicians and MPs – including our very own Chief Executive Sarah Green.
Tonight, Thursday 15 July, the brand-new hotel has revealed a spectacular public art exhibition; a tribute to the ‘people of the city’ and a nod to the culture, communities and industries that those involved in the local campaign represent. The waterfront art exhibition takes centre stage on the Quayside, with 18 large-scale portraits of the ‘INNSiDERS of Newcastle’ displayed in the hotel’s river-facing bedroom windows – remaining there until midnight on Sunday, with an illuminated showcase in the evenings.
For four nights only, the INNSiDERS of Newcastle project aims to shine a spotlight on 18 individuals in the city, capturing the community through the lens. Those that were part of the INNSiDERS of Newcastle were revealed tonight, with a special evening created just for them. This also included a surprise, acoustic performance from Newcastle’s finest young singer-songwriter Andrew Cushin – also an INNSiDER of Newcastle – where he also performed his fourth single, ‘Memories’, along with other tracks.
INNSiDE Newcastle also collaborated with local award-winning photographer Megan Jepson and local videographer and content creator, Ben Hale to capture the portraits and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lifestyles of each of the INNSiDERS; both also feature as INNSiDERS.
INNSiDERS of Newcastle 18 faces include:
- Harry Vaulkhard, Founder of Newcastle Gin
- Ste Dunn, Director of Northern Pride
- Professor Katy Shaw, Director of Partnerships at Northumbria University
- MP Chi Onwurah
- Steve Beharall, Head of Foundation at Newcastle United Foundation
- Tim Wilson, Managing Director at Atomhawk
- David Kenzie and Murray Rhind, Kennedy & Rhind
- Chris Jackson, Yoga Therapies
- James Dixon, LinesBehind
- Mark Nichols & Peter Darrant, Pride Radio
- Colin Heseltine, North East Art Collective
- Sarah Green, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI)
- Simon Laing, CBK Adventures
- Tania Love, Faulkner Browns Architects
- Kay Quickfall and Katie Deacon, Pet Lamb Patisserie
- Ben Hale, Edge Film & Ben Hale Film
- Megan Jepson, Photographer
- Andrew Cushin, Musician
Commenting on the project, Scott Brown, Cluster Director of Sales at INNSiDE UK, said:
“INNSiDE by Melia’s ethos is to bring the culture of the city into their hotels, with each stay enriched with music, art and wellness curated by the hotel’s local experts. The INNSiDERS of Newcastle campaign brings this philosophy to life by praising the people of the city that help bring Newcastle’s culture to life and make it what it is. We are delighted with the INNSiDERS we have on board for this, there is a real mix of individuals and sectors celebrated, it really shows off Newcastle’s vibrant community.
“So far this has been a digital project, bringing together the people of Newcastle, but now our INNSiDERS are able to stand together outside the hotel and celebrate this momentous occasion. It really does look fantastic from the waterfront – and we welcome the city to come and visit this exceptional art exhibition, which will only be here until Sunday, midnight!”
INNSiDE Newcastle brings a slice of continental life to the heart of the city, the 161-room hotel is located on the historical Quayside, offering breath-taking views across the River Tyne and an eclectic home-from-home feel for guests to explore Newcastle’s city centre.
As part of Meliá Hotels International, INNSiDE Newcastle will operate the global ‘Stay Safe With Meliá’ programme across the hotel, including measures to prioritise guest and staff safety during Covid-19.