In 2013 The Customs House will celebrate 150 years of being a proud part of South Tyneside’s landscape and although it hasn’t been a centre for arts and culture throughout all of those decades, it has undoubtedly played an important role in local history. With 15 decades already under our belt, we at The Customs House want to ensure that the future of this iconic building –and all it represents – is secured for the years to come and that’s where you can help!

The Customs House may not be the biggest arts centre in the region but we pride ourselves on being able to offer a wide range of experiences. Our motto is simple - arts and entertainment for all. From stage performances to cinema screenings, arts exhibitions to providing the communities of North and South Tyneside with a wide range of cultural events and activities, there really is something for everyone. Of course all of this comes at a cost - as does the day to day running of a Grade II listed building.

As a not-for-profit charitable trust any money made at The Customs House goes back into community projects and keeping the building open, essential if we are to continue welcoming more than 200,000 visitors every year. It’s safe to say that we are facing our most challenging times since The Customs House opened its doors as an arts venue in 1994 which is why we are appealing to our many, many friends to help us steer a secure course for the future.

Like arts organisations around the country, we have seen our funding cut substantially although we are working tirelessly to try and find new income streams to help us through the tough times ahead. Knowing the loyalty of our visitors, we are also asking you to help in whatever way you can.

If you are planning a birthday, wedding or celebration why not hold it at The Customs House? We have first class facilities, excellent catering and are renowned for our customer service so you can host your special occasion - whatever it might be - knowing all your needs will be looked after and help a great cause at the same time.

We have also - after much deliberation - decided to add a £1 charitable contribution to our ticket prices. This will contribute to the day to day running of The Customs House and help to restore parts of this historic Grade II listed building back to its former glory. If you have recently bought tickets then you have already contributed - in which case we’d like to say a big thank you as you’ve already started to help.

So what else can you do to support us? You could set up a monthly standing order to make a small donation, join our Friends scheme, name a seat in the theatre for yourself or a loved one, buy a piece of art or use some of the many facilities you might not have tried before. You could even consider leaving a legacy to The Customs House.

If you’re a regular theatre-goer, why not pop in on Sunday for a delicious lunch or if you come to view the art exhibitions from time to time, why not buy tickets for a production or to see a film? There are so many small ways to help but they all mount up and really will make a big difference to our future.

Businesses can also use The Customs House to help raise their brand awareness. We offer a range of opportunities including sponsoring a theatre production or gallery exhibition along with first rate conference and events facilities.

If you’d like to make a donation, set up a direct debit, download a celebration pack or help in anyway, please use the quicklinks.

Thank you for your continued support.