Engine Room aims to fuel creative talent

A new cultural programme is being launched to support creative talent, grow production and raise Tees Valley’s profile on the national stage.

Known as The Engine Room, officials say the £3.8 million initiative aims to “showcase talent…to the world” and “put the Tees Valley firmly on the map as a home of world-class creative output”.

The programme has been developed by Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA), which has secured £1.3 million from Arts Council England through its Place Partnership initiative, the largest award of its kind in the North.

A further £845,000 is being provided by the Combined Authority, part funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with Creative Factory investing an additional £1.6 million.

Jane Tarr, director North East, Arts Council England, said: “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to develop their creativity and build a career right where they live. 

“So, I’m delighted that we are funding The Engine Room to support creatives in the Tees Valley to develop their talent while also ensuring that the region has a strong cultural infrastructure so that careers can really thrive.

“It’s great to see so many organisations working together to ensure that the opportunities and investment are available to make sure that local talent can flourish while attracting creative businesses to make their home in the Tees Valley.”

Under the Engine Room banner, creatives will be supported at every stage of their journey, with a focus on talent development, production and export support and creative infrastructure, delivered in partnership with ARC Stockton, MIMA, New Writing North and Creative Factory.

Planned activity includes development retreats, new commissioning opportunities, a specialist creative agency offering business and intellectual property support, and a creative export loan scheme to help artists tour work nationally and internationally. 

Investment will also be made into studio and production space in Middlesbrough, alongside work to explore the creation of a future Creative Land Trust for the region.

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen added: “The Engine Room represents a huge step forward in our mission to make our region a powerhouse for creativity, culture and innovation.

“By backing our artists, performers and makers, and giving them the tools, funding and spaces they need to thrive, we’re not just investing in the arts – we’re investing in jobs, skills and local pride.

“This programme will showcase talent from Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool to the world and attract new creative businesses and talent to our region.”

Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, TVCA cabinet lead for creative place and Hartlepool Borough Council leader, added: “From writing to music, and theatre to comedy, we have outstanding local talent and The Engine Room will ensure they are fully backed to develop their careers right here and produce work that showcases the very best of the what our region can offer.

“By connecting local talent with industry expertise and by strengthening the infrastructure that underpins creative production, we are building a legacy that will put Tees Valley firmly on the map as a home of world-class creative output.”

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