Bishop Auckland College and The Auckland Project sign landmark partnership to boost skills, jobs and culture.jpg
Pictured, from left to right, are Anne-Marie Chiswell, assistant principal for business and community at Bishop Auckland College; Lynn Heighton, assistant principal for finance and resources at Bishop Auckland College; Richard Hinch, chief operating officer at The Auckland Project; Judith Layfield, vice principal - curriculum and quality at Bishop Auckland College; Jane Ruffer, chief executive at The Auckland Project; and Shaun Hope, chief executive and principal of Bishop Auckland College Group

‘Landmark’ partnership aims to grow the arts

A new collaboration in Bishop Auckland is set to create opportunities for learning and the arts.

Bishop Auckland College has joined forces with regeneration charity The Auckland Project (TAP) in a “landmark” partnership aimed at strengthening skills development, creating employment opportunities and enhancing the town’s cultural and visitor economy. 

The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding and will see the two organisations co-develop initiatives that benefit local people, businesses and the wider community.

Central to the partnership is the launch of a Heritage Skills Academy, designed to preserve and promote traditional and contemporary heritage crafts. 

Alongside this, an Artist’s Hub will open at No. 43 Market Place, providing emerging artists with training, mentoring and a vibrant space to showcase their work. 

Courses will include ceramics, photography and textiles, delivered in partnership with Bishop Auckland College.

Shaun Hope, principal at Bishop Auckland College, said: “This partnership represents a landmark moment for Bishop Auckland because of a strong and dynamic collaboration between the college and The Auckland Project. 

“This is much more than a formal agreement as it is a commitment to investing directly in our community’s future. 

“By co-creating initiatives like the Heritage Skills Academy and working together on exciting developments such as the Artist’s Hub, among others, we are combining our high-quality training facilities with TAP’s incredible real-world environment. 

“This strategic alignment will significantly boost local employment opportunities and ensure our town's cultural and visitor economy continues to thrive for generations to come.”

The hub, funded through the Stronger Towns Fund, will also feature a unique bookstore and library with nearly 30,000 donated and collected books, creating a resource for research in art and faith. 

The initiative will enable community artists to access grants for future projects and foster creativity across the region.

Beyond the Artist’s Hub, the partnership will share resources, develop joint marketing campaigns and deliver programmes to support young volunteers and staff in tourism, hospitality and the visitor economy.

Through these initiatives, TAP and Bishop Auckland College aim to revitalise the town, celebrating its rich history – from the Prince Bishops of Durham to links with the Spanish Golden Age – while providing meaningful opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

Jane Ruffer, chief executive at TAP, added: “The Auckland Project has always been about using culture, history and heritage to transform Bishop Auckland for the better. 

“By joining forces with Bishop Auckland College, we are deepening our investment in people – providing training, skills and opportunities that will help our community flourish. 

“Together, we can ensure that Bishop Auckland is not only a wonderful place to visit, but also an inspiring place to live, work and learn.”

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