North of Tyne Culture and Creative Zone Programme

The North of Tyne Culture and Creative Zone (CCZ) Programme is a new programme that aims to establish a supportive and attractive environment for creatives and cultural businesses to locate, start-up and grow.   

Three CCZs have been awarded funding from the North of Tyne Combined Authority for five-year pilot projects:

• Creative Central NCL, Newcastle upon Tyne - creativecentralncl.co.uk
• North Shields Cultural Quarter, North Tyneside - www.nscq.co.uk
• Create Berwick, Northumberland – www.createberwick.co.uk 

The CCZs will provide an access point to support and encourage collaboration within the sector.  This will ensure that no matter where in North of Tyne an independent artist, creative professional or business is located, they will have access to the networks and support to enable them to grow.

We believe this approach will support the growth of the sector, helping artists, creatives and cultural businesses to connect with like-minded professionals, offering support for business growth, skills development programmes and networking opportunities.   

Each Zone is developing a tailored programme of support which typically includes;

• Provision of affordable creative workspace
• Access to business support
• Skills development opportunities
• Engagement with local communities

A main ambition of the programme is to inspire and highlight the opportunities in the creative sector.  The CCZ’s will work with the creative sector and the local community to create engaging projects, activities and events, opening up opportunities for everyone to enjoy.

The North of Tyne Culture and Creative Zone Programme works in collaboration with NTCA, local authorities, cultural networks, business support organisations and freelancers, to support the growth of the culture and creative sector in the region.