New creative producer programme launches

A new training initiative in Newcastle is helping to develop the next generation of creative producers while strengthening the region’s cultural and events sector.

Newcastle City Council has partnered with cultural organisation Curated Place to launch the first cohort of its Creative Producer Training programme, supporting 15 emerging producers from across Newcastle and the wider North East.

The free ten-week programme forms part of the council’s long-term Cultural Events Programme, a ten-year strategy designed to position the city as a leading cultural destination in the UK. 

Three training cohorts will run between now and 2028.

Participants gain practical experience in cultural production and placemaking through a series of modules designed to build skills in managing creative projects from concept through to delivery. 

The initiative also aims to strengthen professional networks and expand opportunities within the region’s creative economy.

Councillor Abdul Samad, cabinet member for culture, music and arts at Newcastle City Council, said: “Newcastle’s creative economy is growing rapidly and is central to the future of our city.

“Programmes like this, which provide meaningful support and real opportunities for local creatives, play a vital role in strengthening our distinctive and fast-expanding cultural sector. 

“We are delighted to be working with Curated Place to deliver this initiative and further champion the talent that makes Newcastle so unique.

“We are witnessing a bold cultural resurgence across Newcastle, underpinned by an ambitious ten-year cultural events programme. 

“Our city now hosts major national events alongside our own established festivals and vibrant grassroots community initiatives. 

“Together, these are helping to position Newcastle as a leading cultural destination and a place where creativity can truly thrive.”

Andy Brydon, creative and company director at Curated Place, added: “Our Creative Producer training is giving local creatives the skills, experience, and confidence to bring ambitious projects to life. 

“Over the next three years, we’ll develop three cohorts, empowering new voices to shape the cultural landscape of the North East. 

“Together, we aim to create a strong, connected creative sector, ready to deliver exciting work and events, seize new opportunities, and sustain fulfilling careers in the arts, heritage, and cultural industries.”

The current group of participants represents a broad mix of creative disciplines including theatre, music, festivals, performance and installation art. 

During the programme, they develop project ideas rooted in local communities while gaining insight into the realities of delivering large-scale cultural events.

At the end of the training, participants will pitch new project proposals for NOVUM Festival 2026, a multi-artform festival set to take place in Newcastle city centre.

Up to six projects will receive commissions of £15,000 alongside mentoring from industry professionals and the council’s arts, culture and events team.

Lizzie West, Creative Producer training participant 25/26 and freelance creative, added: “The learning has felt genuinely responsive and tailored to the voices and experiences in the room, which made it feel thoughtful, supportive, and relevant. 

“Programmes like this are vital for producers; it’s helped me develop my professional practice and reconnect with my passions, while sharpening my sense of what I want to focus on next, especially around place-based work. 

“I feel more excited than ever about using Newcastle as a creative stage, and developing projects that are genuinely rooted in the North East.”

Midge Ryall, Creative Producer training participant 25/26 and company producer at Unfolding Theatre, added: “Ultimately, this training programme is helping to build a connected, skilled workforce of creative professionals in the North East, ensuring that investment, high-quality work, and talented arts practitioners remain rooted in the region. 

“It’s been a fascinating opportunity so far; it has felt validating and enlightening. 

“The support of the cohort has been invaluable – I genuinely hope we continue as a network and circle of peers, sharing ideas and learning as new commissions and funding opportunities arise.”

The initiative is supported by funding from Arts Council England and the North East Combined Authority and aims to create new opportunities for emerging cultural talent across the region.

Recruitment for the next cohort will officially open in the coming months. Interested applicants can express their interest now at www.creativeproducertraining.com/cptn

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