“Playing an instrument makes me feel accepted, that I'm a crucial part of a bigger thing" This is Alfie, he began learning cello Hawthorn Primary School, now in Y9 Excelsior Academy & is our principal cellist at West Newcastle Symphony Orchestra. 🎶 #BBCMusicDay Sage Gateshead Arts Council England, North

Launched today! Our new Briefing in partnership with Paul Hamlyn Foundation: The Arts for Every Child: Why arts education is a social justice issue bit.ly/2o887k0 #ArtsforEveryChild #ArtsforSchools #ArtsEd

Winter waits for fall to fall Summer wakes when it's done Night listens for dawn to call & windows wish for the sun

Ruth Robinson from Durham Sixth form tells us why Artsmark is so important to their school... 👀 #CelebrateArtsmark

We young voters grew up with austerity. Now we want change | Tobi Thomas theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

Young people voting for the first time...’it’s about the ideas behind a compelling alternative we’ve been offered, in contrast to a society we feel we haven’t always had a stake in.’ Don’t deny them a stake in a different future by voting for Boris Johnson!

Be very afraid. Boris Johnson will take revenge on all who stood up to him | Polly Toynbee theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

Trolls, Sock Puppets and Useful Idiots: An Anatomy of an Election Disinformation Campaign – Byline Times bylinetimes.com/2019/12/10/tro…

We will ensure children can learn musical instruments, drama, dance, and visit theatres, galleries and museums. Because those things are part of what makes us human and what brings us joy.

Look to the future and vote for Labour, says Antony Gormley | Letters theguardian.com/artanddesign/2…

"Johnson is not your mate, Farage is not your mate..You vote Tory or Brexit Party then you take opportunity away from kids of the North East, you vote to make the poorest poorer, - Ex-Sunderland AFC boss Peter Reid's explosive election rant sunderlandecho.com/news/politics/…

Take a few minutes today to think about the future for our children and grandchildren. Use your vote wisely in Newcastle North @CatMcKinnell was out in South Gosforth last night and works hard for her constituency. Definitely my choice.

I’m off to vote. I’ve not missed an election of any kind since I was old enough to cast my ballot and will never take it for granted. We are rarely given a perfect choice but I’ll be voting for the things I hold dear: compassion, helping others, hope, the NHS, investment.

Hawthorn Primary School WEST InHarmonyNE thank you all

We would like to thank the Hale family, who founded this award in memory of their son Matthew Hale. Through the Hales' generosity, the award has supported many young people with mentoring and opportunities to develop as writers. Thank you Jeanne Hale and Spike!

Congratulations Jessica, well done

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Well done to all of the children and staff for their hard work in achieving Artsmark Gold 😊

"Brexit is bringing havoc. But government won’t talk about it. The opposition dare not mention it. The rightwing press won’t cover it. And broadcasters fear they will be damned as biased if they admit it." Me in the Observer on a land of make-believe. theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

"I'm afraid you can't blame the spies, if the officers don't read the report." Tory MP Tom Tugendhat explains why he revealed information about a Foreign Office document which highlighted there was a risk Afghanistan could collapse. trib.al/yZX5zOh