Design programme secures £150,000 boost

A regional design programme is set to become “bigger than ever” after securing £150,000 of mayoral funding to expand its activities and strengthen connections across the North East’s creative sector.

Design in Everything has received the backing from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA), with the funding aimed at increasing the programme’s reach and impact.

Facilitated by Gateshead-based design innovation consultancy Edge Innovation, the initiative brings together creative professionals, businesses, innovators, students, educators, community leaders and public sector organisations.

It follows a pilot design week in 2025, which involved professionals working across graphics, digital, architecture, fashion, film, marketing, service design, packaging and product design.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness said: “This region is full of creativity with amazingly talented individuals telling stories through art.

“But too often young people from working class backgrounds struggle to be a part of it. 

“That’s why I’m already investing over £104 million to create more opportunities in the creative sector for everyone in the region, no matter where you come from.

“With our backing, this year’s programme will be bigger than ever, creating even more important connections in the industry, opening up career opportunities for aspiring creatives, and shining a spotlight on North East design.”

This year’s North East design week will run from October 5 to 9, alongside smaller events throughout the year and activity aimed at encouraging learning and collaboration between designers.

The programme is overseen by a steering group including the MSA, Newcastle and Northumbria universities, Newcastle and Gateshead colleges, Design Network North, Gardiner Richardson, Layers Studio, E3 Design and Gateshead Council.

The funding comes amid growth in the region’s design sector, with North East design jobs reported to have increased by 22 per cent since 2020.

Nationally, design activity accounts for 5.5 per cent of UK gross value added, with the sector growing by 40 per cent between 2019 and 2023.

Simon Green, chief executive of Edge Innovation, added: “Design and the wider creative industries are a big part of the social fabric of our region but sometimes their contribution to economic success is undervalued.

“Design in Everything is about celebrating what’s already happening in design and building a foundation to grow this in future.

“We’ve been working with the North East MSA to pull together the programme but this new commitment is a massive step up in ambition and what we can achieve.

“Along with the wide range of public, private and third sector organisations already supporting the programme, this gives us the opportunity to create something really exciting for the region.”

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