FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: Piloting a new cultural experience in Berwick-upon-Tweed

There are approximately 200+ creative professionals living and working in Berwick-upon-Tweed, and yet there are limited opportunities for selling work directly to collectors and buyers of contemporary arts and crafts.

Many of our fantastic independent gallery businesses representing and selling arts and crafts don’t have the budgets or resources to invest in marketing campaigns that can reach this influential audience.

Announcing the Gallery & Open Studio Initiative

To help change that, we want to develop and deliver a pilot project in 2026 that will result in a time limited gallery and open studio fair. The project will coordinate activities with multiple selling galleries and studio groups in Berwick and deliver a high-quality marketing campaign promoting the event.

The aim is to test the potential for an annual event and support collaborative work which will result in increased sales and network development. To accompany the project, and in advance of the gallery and open studios event, we will award up to five selling galleries and spaces in Berwick a free one year’s membership of Own Art (worth £285 +VAT). This is an interest free credit scheme designed to support market development and deliver economic benefit to artists, makers and selling galleries.

Who can apply?

We’re seeking a highly motivated freelancer(s) with knowledge of the creative and cultural industries to develop and deliver a marketing and selling event for Berwick in 2026.

The successful applicant(s) will have experience in building consensus and establishing partnerships with sole traders and creative businesses. They should also have experience of project management, marketing and comms skills, and an understanding of how to organise a selling event.

Details of all the main tasks related to the role can be found in the brief.

What is the budget?

The total budget for the project is £12,000 exclusive of VAT

The following is indicative only, and we will consider proposals with an alternative expenditure plan.

• Project management fee: £7,500 (exc VAT) inc. travel & expenses
• Marketing and comms fee: £2,500 (exc VAT) inc travel & expenses
• Marketing and promotional material and events: £2,000
  
  

How to apply

Proposals outlining your suitability for the role (full details available in the brief) must be sent to createberwick@northumberland.gov.uk by Friday 12th December 2025.

• Panel decision and notification to applicants: 18th December
• Contract issued by Northumberland County Council: 9th January 2026
• Contract is signed and returned: 16 January 2026

If you would like to discuss the opportunity or have any questions, please contact Andrea Oliver, Create Berwick Manager, on andrea.oliver@northumberland.gov.uk.