Tees Valley artists get their chance to move into the spotlight

The second year of the successful Tees Valley Artists of the Year programme is a Tees Valley Combined Authority initiative designed to raise the profile of exceptional local talent.

With applications now open, the programme offers an opportunity to receive a comprehensive support package including financial support of around £28,000 over 12 months.

Each of the five selected artists will benefit from:

• A real-living wage bursary to support their creative work over the year.
• A professional development budget to enhance their skills and expand their practice.
• Industry mentoring and tailored business support – including fundraising, PR and coaching – to help them take their creative careers to the next level.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “The Tees Valley Artists of the Year programme embodies our commitment to nurturing creative talent and enabling artistic careers.

“After a successful first year, we’re excited to once again offer this incredible opportunity to five talented artists, helping them realise their ambitions.”

Applications are open to artists and creatives across all disciplines, including but not limited to visual arts, performance, digital media, and writing.

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The chosen artists will be the second Artists of the Year cohort following Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Amelia Coburn; Darlington author Lisette Auton; Stockton-based visual artist Claire A Baker; theatre-maker Scott Turnbull and Stockton film-maker Andy Berriman who received support in 2024.

All have enjoyed success in their respective fields throughout the year with Amelia Coburn touring with The Levellers and Lisette Auton releasing her latest book Lights Up in July.

Lisette Auton said: “My advice to anyone thinking about applying is to go for it! Being part of the Artists of the Year programme has been hugely beneficial by allowing me to be more focused, more creative and to dream big.

“I’ve worked with incredible mentors, had brilliant opportunities and I’m now writing a piece of work that no-one else would fund me to do.

“The funding and support have also help me achieve all those things that I never had the time or resource to do – sort out a newsletter, develop my website, work out ways to fund myself going forwards. It’s the whole package.”

The successful artists for 2025 will be selected after competitive process involving panellists from the region’s leading cultural organisations, Arts Council England, and TVCA.

Alison Gwynn, Creative Economy Lead for the Tees Valley Business Board and North East Screen Chief Executive, said: “It has been outstanding to see the success of the Artists of the Year programme, which is helping support a vibrant arts and culture scene where local talent can flourish and creatives can develop long-lasting careers.”

Funding provided through the Artists of the Year comes via the UK Government and its UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The award is part of a wider £20.5m programme of investment by the Combined Authority to grow the region’s creative and cultural industries and visitor economies.

To apply, visit www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/artists2025 and complete the application by 12pm on Friday 14 February.

Anyone interested in applying can join an information webinar on Thursday 16 January from 4-5pm. Tickets can be booked HERE.