Create Berwick Launch at The Maltings

In October, we officially launched the Create Berwick project at The Maltings. With Councillors Catherine Seymour, Isabel Hunter and Georgina Hill in attendance, we welcomed a small group of artists, creatives and residents from Berwick to share news of the project so far and what you can expect from Create Berwick in 2024.

During the first year of the project, we spent time consulting with, listening to and learning from the people this project is for. From artists to businesses, freelancers to heads of organisations, community leaders and schoolteachers, we wanted to make sure Create Berwick means something to everyone and gives everyone a chance to immerse themselves in creativity.

Together with the Create Berwick advisory group and Northumberland County Council we created the Cultural Investment Plan for the town which outlines exactly how Berwick will take its place among the UK’s most distinctive, must-see cultural destinations. You can read that plan here.

What is Create Berwick?

Create Berwick is part of the North of Tyne Culture and Creative Zone (CCZ) Programme, which aims to enhance and support the creative and cultural sectors. The creative industries contribute a significant amount to the economy and we know creativity can have wide ranging benefits for health, wellbeing and community spirit.

There are three CCZs in the region funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority: Berwick, Newcastle and North Shields.

What will Create Berwick do?

We aim to bring cultural organisations, creatives, artists, businesses and residents together to make Berwick a beacon for culture and creativity.

Create Berwick will work with partners in the town and North Northumberland to fund and invest in projects which:

• teach people new skills, let people enhance and hone their existing talents and skills, and which offer new pathways into employment in the cultural and creative sector.
• attract visitors, tourists, artists, and makers from all over the world to Berwick.
• create new opportunities for every person in Berwick to be creative and enjoy culture and heritage in the town.
• increase the amount of physical space there is for artists, cultural collectives, and creative businesses, such as studios, exhibition spaces and co-working areas.

Projects in the pipeline include repurposing empty spaces on the high street, working with students of Berwick Academy to set up a Community Radio Station in 2024 and a partnership with Bridge400 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of The Old Bridge. As well as a host of funding opportunities which will be announced soon.

Create Berwick is currently offering financial support for artists or creative businesses to secure a studio or office space, find out more by clicking here.