North East Museums' Director joins official China visit

A delegation of government officials, including the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and nearly 60 representatives from British business, sport and culture visited China this week to discuss cultural and economic ties.  

Keith Merrin, Director of North East Museums, who is also a Member of the UK Creative Industries Council, Deputy Chair of the National Museums Directors Council and Chair of the North East Combined Authority’s Culture, Creative & Sport Advisory Group was invited to be part of the delegation. 

Keith’s role in the delegation involved promoting the strength of the creative industries and the rich and unique art, culture and heritage of North East England including the 12 museums and galleries managed by North East Museums. As well as advocating for the UK’s wider museum sector. 

Keith Merrin, Director of North East Museums, said: 

“This has been an amazing opportunity to promote the history and creativity of the communities of North East England as well as making connections and exploring ways we can potentially work with museums and cultural institutions in China – another country with a long and fascinating history.” 

Other cultural organisations in the delegation included, Birmingham Museums Trust, Edinburgh International Book Festival, National Galleries of Scotland, National Museums Liverpool, National Theatre, Natural History Museum, Royal Museums Greenwich, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Shakespeare Company, Science Museum and the V&A Museum. 

The delegation visited Beijing and Shanghai and met with the Government of China and Chinese business leaders and investors. They also visited the Forbidden City, the UNESCO World Heritage site, which was a Royal Palace complex at the centre of Chinese society for almost 500 years. It is now a major museum and on this part of the visit delegates met counterparts from across the cultural sectors.