Helix Arts has officially launched its Artists’ Agency, a long-term programme aimed at providing comprehensive support and mentorship to artists and creatives in North Tyneside. This initiative aspires to bolster North Shields’ reputation as a thriving creative hub by offering significant resources that enable local artists to flourish.
Building upon the success of a year-long pilot programme, the Artists’ Agency offers personalised mentorship, networking opportunities, and peer-to-peer support. These resources are designed to assist artists in navigating the complexities of establishing sustainable careers in the arts. The programme is a central element of Helix Arts’ dedication to developing North Shields’ emerging Cultural Quarter, supported financially by North Tyneside Council through the North East Combined Authority.
The programme highlights include responsive workshops and networking events tailored to the evolving needs of participating artists and creatives. Additionally, one-to-one mentorships come with bursaries, providing personalised guidance that aligns with individual career goals. Peer-to-peer mentorship fosters collaboration and knowledge exchange within the creative community. Another distinctive feature is ‘Make It Happen,’ a capacity-building course aimed at empowering artists to advance their careers. Furthermore, ongoing peer support networks offer a platform for artists to share experiences, collaborate on projects, and solve problems collectively.
Cheryl Gavin, the director of Helix Arts, explained, “We’ve listened to over 70 artists and creative businesses to truly understand the challenges they face. Our new programme reflects these insights by offering participant-centred, flexible support. It’s designed to equip artists with the tools they need to overcome obstacles and build lasting careers.” The programme plans to provide at least 12 hours of support to 70 participants over the next three years, catering to creatives at various stages of their development.
Gavin further expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m thrilled that Artists’ Agency has received long-term funding from North Tyneside Council following our successful pilot. Our goal is to help local artists grow, share their expertise, and build sustainable careers. With this expanded programme, we can now offer extended support, enabling artists to move towards their professional goals over time.” She also hinted at the possibility of extending the programme beyond North Tyneside and is looking forward to exploring future opportunities with the North East Combined Authority.
Karen Taws, the North Shields Cultural Quarter project manager, praised Helix Arts, stating, “Helix Arts has really embraced the spirit of its roots and created a wonderful, amazing community of artists where people are coming together, creating community. It’s a safe space for artists to come and have conversations about all the amazing things they want to do and share all the things that are scary and important to them. Helix Arts are just doing so much to make opportunities for artists to come together and be the best they can possibly be.”
The launch of Helix Arts’ Artists’ Agency marks a significant step in strengthening North Tyneside’s creative landscape. By providing tailored support and resources, the programme aims to ensure that local artists can build sustainable careers and contribute to the cultural vitality of the region.