The North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) have today launched a prospectus for Culture and Creative Zones. Each Local Authority will develop and co-produce a designated Zone which seeks to deliver services to support the growth of the cultural and creative industries in the North of Tyne.

Taking inspiration from other UK and international cities ‘Culture and Creative Zones’ bring together the right mix of advice, guidance and expertise to work alongside our region’s creative and cultural businesses and organisations. Each Zone will be developed to reflect the challenges and opportunities of its locality – with Local Authorities and the sector working together to co-produce action plans for 5-year pilot projects

Aerial view of Newcastle's Millennium Bridge at sunset

Each Zone is eligible for up-to £500,000 in the first year with action plans setting out the evidence base and rationale for additional investment. These plans will be reviewed together with the North of Tyne Combined Authority in early 2022.

Cllr Glen Sanderson Cabinet Member for Culture, Creative and Rural said: “Our existing Culture and Creative Investment Programme and the Culture and Creative Zones provide a real opportunity to support inclusive economic growth in the North of Tyne. We are now inviting our Local Authorities to work with freelancers, businesses and cultural organisations from the sector to develop three Culture and Creative Zone proposals and I look forward to seeing these exciting proposals develop.”

Through coproduction, led by our Local Authority’s and supported by NTCA, this programme will develop the priority areas for investment which will support the sector to recover from the pandemic and emerge more resilient.