Mayor unveils £4 million creative skills fund

A regeneration boss has launched a £4 million skills programme designed to help people across the North East secure jobs in the region’s expanding creative industries.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has introduced the Create Talent Programme, a three-year initiative that will provide hundreds of residents with training, mentoring, networking opportunities and work experience across music, screen, writing and publishing.

The scheme will be delivered by Generator, The NewBridge Project, ITV Signpost and New Writing North, with a focus on closing skills gaps and building a diverse workforce ready to support national and international production companies.

Its launch comes amid growing momentum in the region’s creative economy, which has recently hosted the Mercury Prize and MOBO Awards and attracted major film productions including the post-apocalyptic horror film 28 Years Later, produced and directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland.

The Mercury Prize alone generated more than £1.4 million locally.

Mayor McGuinness said: “I’ve spoken to actors, directors, writers, musicians and producers, and they all agree, the best thing about the North East is the people and our proud working-class culture.

“But we know that there aren’t enough opportunities in the creative sector for regular working-class people. 

“So, I’m changing that.

“This investment is about backing our talent, and helping local people build sustainable careers in our thriving and vibrant creative sector. 

“And making sure that at the centre of our music, screen and writing industries is a workforce that reflects what makes this region so powerful – hard working, ambitious people who lift up those around them. 

“I’m serious about growing our creative industries, and improving opportunities for local people is at the heart of my plans.”

Mick Ross, chief executive at Generator, added: “This investment is a major step forward for music in the North East. 

“A strong creative economy starts with strong foundations - supporting artists, producers, creators and industry professionals at every stage to build skills, networks and sustainable careers.

“The mayor’s commitment to music recognises that talent is everywhere, but opportunity must be too. 

“By investing in people and clear progression pathways, this programme strengthens our regional music industry and ensures more talent can succeed here at home. 

“As the UK’s leading music development organisation, proudly based in the North East, Generator is ready to help turn that ambition into real futures - giving artists, creators and professionals the support they need to grow, earn and thrive in the region they call home.”

Launching in Spring 2026, the programme will prioritise underrepresented groups, including care-experienced people, women, young people not in education or employment and those from disadvantaged communities.

Anna Disley, executive director (programme and impact) at New Writing North, added: “This is great news for writers, aspiring writers and people interested in working in the writing industries. 

“The Create Talent programme will address skills needs across the North East. 

“We will develop a talent pipeline which delivers meaningful programmes focussing on; opening opportunities in our poorest and most underrepresented communities; progression routes for people into successful careers in writing and publishing; and the development of nationally significant, award-winning writers and writing enterprises from the region.”

Rebecca Huggan, director of The NewBridge Project, added: “We’re thrilled to be working with the North East Combined Authority on this incredible programme, which highlights their commitment to championing the North East’s cultural sector and creative industries. 

“With their support for our ambitious artist development work, we will build upon our inclusive and responsive programmes for creatives and freelancers across the region and will be working with fantastic partners to do this. 

“The North East is home to so many talented creatives and freelancers, and incredible independent organisations and businesses. 

“Our programmes are designed to ensure that people from all backgrounds can access and thrive in diverse creative careers, with development opportunities delivered by and rooted in the region’s own creative community.”

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