We are first - and foremost

Jan 17 2003 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

So, we are not sophisticated enough for Brian Sewell's taste and don't deserve the COBRA exhibition that is coming to the Baltic.

The art critic told his London-based newspaper that a major exhibition should rightfully be seen by London first. As the equally tasteful Mandy Rice-Davies said, well he would, wouldn't he?

I sometimes think we get ourselves into furies about our perceived image, when we should take a more relaxed view.

Brian Sewell is doing what he does best - winding up one half of the country against the other. He is just as successful with his sexist comments that infuriate women and his extreme views of otherwise well-regarded artworks, such as the Angel of the North.

Of course we should be the first to show international art exhibitions, theatre productions and films. We have great facilities and enthusiastic audiences.

However, most of us enjoy and prefer mainstream entertainment most of the time.

As a region we are strong- minded and canny. We know what we like and that is likely to be a less sophisticated mix of entertainment and leisure than Brian Sewell would espouse.

Experimental music, cuisine or art is simply that - by its nature it appeals to a more rarefied taste than the popular art exhibitions, light classical evenings and range of restaurants that get rave reviews and full houses in the North-East.

The Baltic has already attracted criticism because of the choice of artists' work it has displayed. It appears, in general, to receive full marks for the building but reservations on its content.

On the other hand, the Biscuit Factory in Shieldfield seems to have its finger firmly on the regional pulse - a quirky, accessible site, a good mix of art including the best of local talent and a restaurant with a formidable reputation all under one roof.

You can understand the appeal immediately.

We are rightly proud of all our distinctive examples of sophisticated city living.

Let's not forget, however, the pulling power of the Arena, the many cinemas, the hundreds of pubs and the rows of restaurants that feed the dynamism of the city.

Who really wants to be effete when we could be enjoying ourselves?

* Nicholas Craig is a partner at Watson Burton law firm.