BAE Systems withdraws sponsorship from Great Exhibition of the North following artist protests

BAE Systems has withdrawn as lead sponsor of the government-backed Great Exhibition of the North after widespread criticism. The 11-week festival opens in June across northern England, featuring exhibitions by Michael Dean at Baltic in Gateshead and Glenn Brown at Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle. Participants including Lubaina Himid, Ryan Gander, Jane and Louise Wilson, and Tim Etchells had already committed before the sponsor announcement. Musician Nadine Shah withdrew from performing, stating on Twitter she refused association with BAE Systems and encouraged other artists to follow. A petition against the sponsorship gathered over 3,000 signatures. Government minister Jake Berry, responsible for the 'northern powerhouse' initiative and MP for Rossendale and Darwen where BAE is based, condemned the protests, calling artists 'subsidy addicted' and noting that 18,000 BAE workers in the North pay taxes supporting them. The festival will now seek a new lead sponsor.