LONDON.-One of South Africa抯 leading politicians is travelling to the North East to sign an agreement with North East politicians for a unique five-year cultural partnership programme.

The signing of the agreement, called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), is a key point in a unique cultural partnership project called The Swallows Partnership (Sihlanganiswa Ziinkonjane in South Africa抯 Xhosa language).

Named after the swallows which fly from our region to the Eastern Cape of South Africa and back again each year, the Partnership was instigated and supported by Arts Council England, North East. It has since flourished to include other leading North East cultural bodies, such as Tyne and Wear Museums, Northern Film and Media and Museums, Libraries and Archives North East, as well as and local authorities led by the Association of North East Councils (ANEC) and the government of the Eastern Cape in South Africa.

Councillor Mick Henry, Chair of ANEC said, 慣he Swallows Partnership is a unique cultural partnership between the North East of England and the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed today, agrees to the development of the Swallows Project, which is a five year project involving both countries.

慣he main objective is to develop friendship and co-operation between the countries citizens through a programme centred on the arts and culture but it is expected that the project will expand to other fields of activity over the period of the partnership.

慍ulture is a vital feature in the cohesion of our communities and in creating a strong sense of place, belonging and identity. In view of this, the Association of North East Councils is pleased to offer support to such an innovative cultural initiative that reaches not only across the region but also has an international dimension.�

The two regions have chosen to work together because of their similarities in experiencing huge industrial and social change, with similar industrial and port heritages. The Eastern Cape is keen to learn from our experiences of arts and culture as a kick-start for regeneration. During this visit the delegation will be taking the opportunity to see some of our icons of cultural regeneration including the Angel of the North, Newcastle抯 Grainger Town, The Sage Gateshead and the National Glass Centre in Sunderland. They抣l also be looking at the traditional arts of the region with children in a school in rural County Durham and attend a football match at St James� Park!

The Memorandum of Understanding between the Eastern Cape and the Association of North East Councils was signed in Gateshead Council Chamber on Thursday 28 February at 2pm. Signing for the Eastern Cape is Premier Balindlela. A former anti apartheid campaigner, Premier Balindlela is now one of South Africa抯 longest serving politicians. Dubbed the 態arefoot� Premier, she is famed for her hard work (her 4am meetings are legendary) and dedication to the well-being of the people of the Eastern Cape.

Mark Robinson, Executive Director, Arts Council England, North East said, 慦e抮e delighted that Premier Balindlela is visiting the region to sign the Memorandum of Understanding, which marks a significant point in the project.

慣he Swallows Project is a great example of our partnership working with other cultural agencies in this region and internationally. Since the beginning we抳e been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm in the arts sector both in the North East of England and the Eastern Cape in South Africa to learn and share cultural ideas, expertise and experiences with one another. We look forward to working together for the benefit of both regions.�

Having begun in the arts, with support from Arts Council England, North East, the programme is now widening to include all aspects of culture including sport and will also develop a leadership and management component.