Why it matters
The North East recorded the fastest proportional growth in creative industries GVA of any English region in 2019-22.
Approximately 55,000 people employed across the creative industries.
£7.13bn visitor economy value.
Globally recognised heritage, culture, and sporting assets.
Our ambition for 2036
A North East where businesses grow
Investment increases
A place where talent stays and thrives
Creativity drives inclusive prosperity
A region where communities participate
Turning ambition into action
This framework sets out our ambition, but we are already delivering, and investment is already underway.
Putting over £104m of investment into action, we are funding projects, programmes and opportunities that support creators, communities, businesses and future talent across the region, with more to come.
Find out more about our programmes
Small Venues Fund
Supporting grassroots music and creative venues across the North East with funding to improve facilities, build resilience and create more opportunities for artists, performers and audiences. The fund will help sustain the venues that play a vital role in the region’s creative ecosystem.
Events Fund
A three-year, £11 million programme supporting events across the region. Through investment in cultural, sporting and community events, the programme celebrates the North East’s unique identity, support local talent, attract visitors and deliver lasting economic, cultural and community benefits.
Crown Works Studios
A major new film and television production facility in Sunderland that will expand the region’s screen infrastructure, attract inward investment and support jobs, skills and economic growth across the North East.
North East Screen Industries Partnership (NESIP) and North East Production Fund
A long-term partnership driving growth in the North East screen industry. Through investment, skills development and industry support, NESIP is helping position the region as a leading destination for film and television production. The Production Fund provides investment to attract film, television and digital productions to the North East while supporting local businesses, crew and talent.
Gateshead Quays
£24m will be invested to ready Gateshead Quays for a new 12,500-15,000 seat arena to rival venues such as Manchester, Glasgow and London, as well as the creation of a new open-air performance space and urban park.
Create Talent
An industry-led skills programme helping people develop careers in music, screen, arts, writing and publishing. The programme provides high-quality training, industry connections and routes into employment in the creative sector.
Visitor Economy
Through Experience North East England (ENEE), we are bringing partners together to raise the region’s profile, attract more visitors, and support tourism businesses to grow. Backed by North East MSA investment, the programme will deliver a stronger regional tourism brand, a new visitor website, national and international marketing campaigns, and the development of new visitor experiences across the region.
Northern Music Export Office
Helping North East artists and music businesses reach national and international markets. Delivered in partnership with neighbouring combined authorities, the programme provides export support, industry connections and opportunities to grow the region’s music sector globally.
Regional Music Cluster Development
A collaborative programme designed to strengthen the North East music industry through leadership, skills development, business growth and international promotion. The project aims to create a more connected and sustainable music economy across the region.
Creative Spaces and Places
Investing in creative clusters, cultural infrastructure and sector-led projects to strengthen local creative economies. The programme will support regeneration, cultural participation and vibrant places across the North East.
Writing and Publishing
The Centre for Writing Publishing will be a new regional hub for writing, publishing and creative talent development. The Centre will support aspiring writers, attract publishing businesses to the North East and create new opportunities for careers in the creative industries. We will also invest to build a stronger writing and publishing sector by supporting collaboration, talent development and innovation.
Freelancer Support
Supporting the growth and sustainability of the North East’s freelance creative workforce. The programme will strengthen networks, professional development opportunities and support services for freelancers working across the sector.
Design in Everything
A regional programme championing the role of design in innovation, business growth and public services. Through events, showcases and collaboration, it highlights the value of design across the economy.
CreaTech and Innovation
Supporting creative businesses to adopt new technologies, develop innovative products and collaborate across sectors. The programme will explore the intersection of creativity, technology and innovation to unlock future growth opportunities.
Access to Finance
Helping creative businesses access the funding and investment needed to grow. The programme will combine finance, investment readiness support and expert advice to help businesses scale and bring new ideas to market.
Sector Data and Evidence
Improving data, research and insight about the North East’s creative industries. The project will help inform decision-making, demonstrate impact and support future sector growth.
