A new £500,000 grant initiative has been launched to provide support to businesses and freelancers in the North East’s cultural and creative industries. The North of Tyne Culture and Creative Investment Programme was initially established in 2021 and is now open for applications.
Freelancers and businesses operating in the creative and cultural sectors in North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland can apply to the scheme for grants of up to £5,000, or strategic grants of up to £25,000.
The scheme is being delivered by Creative UK, with funding coming from the North of Tyne Combined Authority. It was set up as a first of its kind fund to provide financial and business support to creative businesses and freelancers, with the cultural and creative industries having been among the most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fund has been designed to benefit creative freelancers and businesses throughout the course of their professions, offering specalised investments delivered through loans and equity. The programme also offers grants and a challenge fund, as well as tailored business support. Grants are intended to help businesses and freelancers further develop their creative and commercial ideas, opening up opportunities to secure growth and sustainability in their businesses for the future.
Carol Bell, OBE and Creative UK’s Strategic Engagement Lead for North of Tyne, commented: “We are delighted to launch this new package of grants for the North of Tyne’s cultural and creative sector.”
“By supporting freelancers and organisations to develop and grow their innovative business ideas, we can ensure a more resilient and sustainable future for creative businesses, as well as increased opportunity for cultural engagement throughout the North of Tyne Combined Authority area.”
