Celebrating creativity in Gateshead with Flourish - calling all creatives!

Culture and creativity are right at the heart of the Tyne Derwent Way, and our partnership with Flourish has led to some brilliant projects and collaborations with local artists. Here's Dr Philippa Carter with more about Flourish and what's coming up.

Flourish is a partner project to the Tyne Derwent Way. Managed by Northumbria University, Newcastle University and Gateshead Council, over the last two years the team has worked with Gateshead-based artists and creatives to make recommendations for how local authorities can better support and nourish creative eco-systems.

About the creative eco-system

We talk about the creative eco-system because it reflects the fact that organisations, individuals and communities are interconnected and rely on each other for survival - just like eco-systems in nature.

Everyone welcome

We will be launching our co-produced toolkit 'Commissioning for Creative Eco-Systems' at the Shipley Art Gallery, Thursday 2 October, 4-6pm. We know that applying for commissions and contracts is daunting for many people working in the arts, and this document will give you the tools to understand and navigate the commissioning process.

If you work in the cultural sector in the North East we would love to see you there. We will hear from:

• Lyndsey Murray, Service Director Economic Development and Regeneration for Gateshead Council 
• Abigail Gilmore, Professor of Cultural Policy at University of Manchester

You will have chance explore the 'Obstacle Course for Freelancers', an interactive game created as part of Flourish, and take part in an interactive workshop using Playback Theatre techniques.

The event is free.

Register for the event (opens new window)

We can't wait to see you there!

Connecting artists and creatives in Gateshead

Since 2023 Flourish has been working with a group of artists and creatives from across Gateshead to research what makes a healthy cultural eco-system and make recommendations for how to improve things in the borough. This led to some amazing projects and collaborations between the Tyne Derwent Way and members of the group, including:

• Dingy Butterflies: offered a series of family-friendly workshops based on the nature and heritage of the Tyne Derwent Way
• 48 Things to do on the Tyne Derwent Way: designer Paulina Malowaniec created the activity book based on collaboration with community groups across the Tyne Derwent Way route
• Tyne Derwent Way in A Box: Creative Heritage Studios worked with neuro-divergent young people to create sensory boxes about the nature along Gateshead's riversides

What's next?

We are looking at options for continuing Flourish beyond 2025, and we want to hear from artists and creatives in Gateshead about what that might look like.

Find out more about Flourish (opens new window) or email [email protected]