The £ 10.5million center, on a prime location off the A697, is currently under construction and is expected to open in the fall.
The Ad Gefrin team, in collaboration with the Rural Design Center Innovation Project (RDCIP), organized workshops and asked local artists and designers to submit their proposals with the aim of securing a contract to supply the boutique of the reception center.
Nick Devitt, Senior Design Associate for RDCIP, explained: “Ad Gefrin’s design challenge showcases Northumberland and the rich culture here, drawing on that culture as inspiration to create something beautiful and significant.
“The workshops were a way to convey this to the people involved and each session was full of energy. be subjected to this challenge and I was blown away by what I saw.
After receiving 15 high-quality submissions, the Ad Gefrin panel drew up a shortlist of six local small businesses. They are: Ravn Clay, Biteabout Arts, Joseph Hillier, Whistlebare, Sandra Russell and Be Therapies.
They are now invited to attend the final pitch event on January 12 where they will present their ideas and concepts in more detail, after which the jury will make their final decisions and the winner (s) will be announced.
Eileen Ferguson, Ad Gefrin partner, said: “We are truly grateful to everyone who took up the challenge and we hope everyone who was involved benefited from the support provided.
“I am proud to be from Northumberland and the level and quality of work that I have seen on this design challenge is so impressive. Very inspiring people doing very inspiring contemporary work.
“People will be coming to visit Ad Gefrin from all over the world and we want them to see for themselves what makes Northumberland so special.
“For our visitors to be able to buy something that has been lovingly made by a local artist is truly amazing and something that will remind them of their visit for years to come.”
