Funding to ‘shine a light’ on Berwick’s arts scene

A cultural regeneration programme in Berwick-upon-Tweed is helping to transform empty spaces into creative hubs following a major new investment.

Create Berwick and Northumberland County Council have unveiled a £510,000 fund to support the development of new cultural and creative workspaces in the northernmost town in England, just south of the Anglo-Scottish border.

Backed by £300,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and £210,000 from the North East Combined Authority, officials say the scheme aims to revitalise disused buildings for use by local artists and makers.

They add that the funding is part of Create Berwick’s wider two-year regeneration plan to boost the town’s cultural offer, enhance skills and raise its profile as a destination for arts, culture and creativity.

Andrea Oliver, manager at Create Berwick, said: “Whilst Berwick already has some fantastic spaces that support the growth of cultural and creative sectors, including The Maltings and The Straw Yard at Berwick Barracks, we want to bring some of the town’s unused buildings back into use so they can become new and exciting places where people working in the creative industries can build new audiences and reach new customers.

“Not only will this deliver direct economic benefits across Berwick, but it will also encourage tourism to the area and help attract further investment as we improve the built environment across the town.”

Applications open on May 12, with the fund targeting projects that enable creative practitioners to produce, exhibit and distribute work from Berwick to wider audiences.

Andrea added: “We want these new creative spaces to shine a light on Berwick’s amazing creative and cultural sectors. 

“By increasing the visibility of the town’s creative community, we can encourage more people to get involved in arts and culture and create new opportunities for people to start creative businesses.”

For more information and full details on how to apply, see here.

All submissions must be received by 5pm on Friday, May 30.

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