Image: The new North East Museums branding
The organisation’s new name and logo are unveiled ahead of it beginning to manage new Northumberland venues
Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums (TWAM), a regional group of museums and the county archives service, has announced a new name and visual identity following its expansion.
From this week, the organisations will be known as North East Museums and will carry a new heart-shaped logo.
The organisation said: “We’ve been planning this for a while to better reflect our mission and commitments and the timing is perfect as we enter a new phase as an organisation.”
From 1 April 2025, Northumberland County Council will join the partnership, and it will manage Woodhorn Museum, Hexham Old Gaol and Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum alongside the other venues it runs on behalf of its partners.
The existing nine venues are Arbeia Roman Fort and Museum, Discovery Museum, Great North Museum: Hancock, Hatton Gallery, Laing Art Gallery, Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum, Shipley Art Gallery, South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, and Stephenson Railway Museum.
“We’re looking forward to expanding our work with visitors and communities into Northumberland. Everything we do is built on successful partnerships – so thank you for your ongoing support!” it said in an announcement.
They receive financial support from the five local authorities they operate within and since 2012, Arts Council England. The service is one of those specified in the Designation Scheme administered by Arts Council England. In the past, the service received additional financial support from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Since 2021, the Director of the newly renamed group is Keith Merrin, who sits on the board of this year’s Museums + Heritage Awards, entries for which have now opened.
