Creative Places: Gateshead Culture Strategy
Three-year delivery framework
(DRAFT to be further developed with stakeholders and partners)
This framework sets out how the priorities within Creative Places: Gateshead's Culture Strategy will be progressed over the first three years of delivery. It phases strategic actions across years 1 to 3 and illustrates where events activity supports delivery.
Events included below are indicative and demonstrate how cultural activity can support health and wellbeing, local economic impact, social value and the profile of Gateshead at local, regional, national and international levels. Delivery will continue to be shaped through co-creation with partners and communities and is subject to approval, funding and capacity.
Year 1: Foundations and visibility (2026-27)
Pillar 1: Civic, community and grass roots leadership
Pillar 2: Identity
- improve visibility of cultural funding opportunities through clearer communications
- strengthen communications to support Gateshead's cultural identity and visitor experience
- support community-led cultural activity, with improved evaluation and storytelling
- deliver civic milestones celebrating Saltwell Park, Gateshead Central Library and the Millennium Bridge
- Pride in Place Impact Fund - programme delivery
- expression of Interest for UK Town of Culture bid 2028
Indicative events:
- Saltwell Park 150th anniversary programme
- Millennium Bridge 25th anniversary celebrations
- Neighbourhood-based parks and community events
- SHAPE Youth Festival
Pillar3: Economy
- begin establishing a Culture and Creative Industries Partnership
- deliver culture plan and regeneration plans
- pilot events-in-places activity to support footfall for local businesses
- continue attracting and supporting major cultural events as drivers of economic activity
- Pride in Place Impact Fund - programme delivery
Indicative events
- Baltic Square summer programme
- Gateshead Sculpture Festival
- World and local food event
- Christmas programme and festive activations
Pillar 4: Health and wellbeing
- continue support for public art and creative activity in public space
- strengthen links between culture and wellbeing outcomes
- improve data capture on community-led and participatory events
Indicative events
- SHAPE Youth Festival
- Project: Play
- Art Diamonds (older people's programme)
- Reading and creativity celebrations
Year 2: Growth, participation and investment (2027-28)
Pillar 1: Civic, community and grass roots leadership
Pillar 2: Identity
- expand community-led activity across more neighbourhoods
- strengthen place activation around cultural activity
- grow recognition of Gateshead's creative practitioners and grassroots organisations
- Pride in Place Impact Fund - programme delivery
Indicative events
- expanded neighbourhood parks programme
- Gateshead Arts Trail
- nature connections and outdoor cultural activity
- continued civic and seasonal programming
Pillar3: Economy
- formalise cultural governance through the Creative Industries and Culture Partnership
- develop fundable propositions for regional and national investment
- expand events-in-places activity with local businesses
- strengthen place-based marketing within Gateshead
Indicative events
- expanded Baltic Square programme
- MakerPlace Fair
- Sculpture Festival (established annual footing)
- pilot "Light up Gateshead" programme
Pillar 4: Health and wellbeing
- continue to deepen partnerships with health, education and voluntary sector partners
- develop shared approaches to measuring wellbeing impact
- embed culture within broader prevention and wellbeing agendas
Indicative events
- expanded SHAPE Youth Festival
- Project: Play (expanded)
- Art Diamonds celebration
Year 3: Scale, profile and legacy (2028-29)
Pillar 1: Civic, community and grass roots leadership
Pillar 2: Identity
- deliver large-scale, borough-wide cultural celebration
- position Gateshead confidently at regional and national level
- celebrate major civic, heritage and cultural milestones
Indicative events
- Angel of the North 30th anniversary programme
- Tyne Bridge Centenary
- Gateshead Arts Trail (expanded)
- borough-wide cultural celebrations
Pillar 3: Economy
- deliver a major flagship cultural festival at scale
- drive cultural tourism, footfall and spend across the borough
- strengthen Gateshead's reputation as a place for creative growth and innovation
Indicative events
- major Arts, Culture and Innovation Festival
- world food and music programme
- nature and outdoor cultural programme
- expanded Light up Gateshead
Pillar 4: Health and wellbeing
- demonstrate long-term wellbeing, social and economic impact of culture
- embed cultural delivery into ongoing regeneration, health, and economic strategies
Indicative events
- SHAPE Youth Festival (expanded)
- winter cultural programme and Christmas offer