Teesside talent boosted by ASPire programme

A Teesside-based initiative is helping local creatives grow their careers and gain wider recognition.

Two Teessiders, DJ and producer Aimie Herbert and award-winning author, poet, translator and visual artist Harry Man, have both benefitted from the ASPire programme, a scheme backed by Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) to support the region’s creative professionals.

Aimie, who grew up in Redcar and studied at Cleveland College of Art and Design, has seen her music projects advance with ASPire’s branding and marketing support. 

She recently performed an opening DJ set in London for Anjuna Deep’s new sub-label Anjuna Explorations, and is currently working on several new collaborations.

She said: “The programme has been a really good confidence booster. 

“It’s quite hard to secure funding day-to-day, so it does help.

“When I found out I was shortlisted, I was so excited because being from the North, and taking a different route into the industry, meant it felt amazing to be recognised.” 

This year, Aimie’s music career has reached new heights with a Glastonbury performance.

“It was amazing and could not have gone better,” she said.

“I did a daytime gig on the Sunday, it was quite quiet – I just invited a lot of my mates, it was a really good crowd and I had the best time. 

“It’s made me want to DJ everywhere now.”

Harry, now based in Norton, has built a decorated literary career, earning multiple accolades including a shortlisting for the Yeats Prize in New York and the Gladstone’s Library Writer in Residence Award. 

ASPire has helped him further develop his visibility and professional network.

Harry added: “The ASPire programme has been nothing short of fantastic.

“Being an artist means being the head of a one-person startup company. 

“From expert project management to brand development and contract negotiation, it all comes down to you.

“It has helped me to connect with other artists, to reflect on and elevate my practice.  

“It has given me more confidence to go for awards that I would typically otherwise feel were out of reach and it’s filled me with ideas to build greater visibility both for my own work and the work of other artists in the Tees Valley. 

“No matter where you feel you are, or where you work is now, I would recommend that anyone who wants to take their work to the next level, to take the plunge and to apply.

“The time and support has been amazing."

The programme supports artists who were shortlisted for the Tees Valley Artist of the Year, though not selected as finalists. 

It provides mentoring, networking, development days and sector-specific guidance, forming part of a wider £20.5 million investment to grow the region’s creative and cultural industries.

Councillor Brenda Harrison, leader of Hartlepool Borough Council and TVCA cabinet member for creative place, added: “The Tees Valley is home to incredible talent and Aimie and Harry are shining examples of the creativity and drive that we’re so proud of in our region.

“We’re helping our artists take their careers to the next level by giving them the tools, confidence, and connections to reach new audiences.

“Whether it’s performing on the Glastonbury stage, or being shortlisted for international literary prizes, our homegrown talent is making waves far beyond our region – and I’m pleased we’re making progress in ensuring they have more opportunities to flourish."

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →