Millions to be spend to make ‘creative powerhouse’

14 minutes ago

Jonny ManningNorth East and Cumbria

TVCA Author Lisette Auton at a book signing. She sits behind a desk covered in books while a child and parent wait for a signed copy of one of her books.

Millions of pounds will be spent on trying to turn a region into a “powerhouse of creative production”, a combined authority has said.

The £3.8m Engine Room programme will aim to nurture local talent from across Tees Valley while also attracting new creators to the area.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) said the scheme would focus on growing creative infrastructure and supporting the production and export of creative works.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said the Engine Room was a “huge step forward” in making the region a hub for creativity, culture and innovation.

“By backing our artists, performers and makers, and giving them the tools, funding and spaces they need to thrive, we’re not just investing in the arts – we’re investing in jobs, skills and local pride,” he said.

“This programme will showcase talent from Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool to the world and attract new creative businesses and talent to our region.”

‘World-class’ creatives

TVCA said The Engine Room would deliver a number of initiatives in partnerships with organisations such as ARC Stockton, MIMA, New Writing North and Creative Factory.

These will include launching a creative agency, artistic retreats and conferences, commissioning programmes, investing in studios and production spaces and a loan scheme to support tours and performances.

Among the new initiatives is the Tees Valley Award for writers, which will be run by New Writing North.

The combined authority previously supported authors, including Darlington-based Lisette Auton, through the Tees Valley Artist of the Year programme.

TVCA’s cabinet lead for creative place Pamela Hargreaves said the scheme would put Tees Valley “firmly on the map as a home of world-class creative output”.

“From writing to music, and theatre to comedy, we have outstanding local talent and the Engine Room will ensure they are fully backed to develop their careers right here and produce work that showcases the very best of the what our region can offer,” she said.

The Engine Room will be funded through a £1.3m investment from Arts Council England’s Place Partnership initiative, while the TVCA will provide £845,000, part-funded by the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Middlesbrough’s Creative Factory will also invest £1.6m into creative production and residential space in Middlesbrough Town Centre.

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