Following an online petition, BAE Systems, has withdrawn its sponsorship of the Great Exhibition of the North.
It said that while it was a “strong supporter of the Northern Powerhouse” and backed the Exhibition, “we have decided to redirect our support to other initiatives better suited to both our skills and innovation objectives and in support of the industrial strategy of the North of England.”
The move follows protests and an online petition, under the “Art not Arms” banner, calling for the end to an “unethical partnership with weapons maker BAE Systems.”
A spokesperson for the Great Exhibition of the North said:
“We accept and respect BAE Systems’ decision. Working with all of our partners, funders, supporters and contributors, we remain focussed on delivering a successful event which will shine a spotlight on the North’s great art and culture, design and innovation. It’s a significant opportunity to raise the profile of the North, change outdated perceptions and drive future growth and we are absolutely committed to achieving this success for the benefit of all of us who live, work and do business here.”
