Tees Valley Artists of The Year unveiled for 2024

(L-R) Andy Berriman, Lisette Auton, Amelia Coburn, Claire A Baker and Scott Turnbull

The Tees Valley Combined Authority has unveiled the talented artists set to receive unique support and funding as part of the Tees Valley Artists of the Year 2024 initiative. This groundbreaking scheme aims to foster the arts in the region by backing five outstanding local artists with a transformative £30,000 investment.

The announcement took place at The Globe Theatre in Stockton on Monday, May 20. The selected artists include Middlesbrough singer-songwriter Amelia Coburn, Darlington author Lisette Auton, visual artist Claire A Baker based in Stockton, theatre-maker Scott Turnbull and Stockton filmmaker Andy Berriman.

Each artist will benefit from a comprehensive support package over the course of a year, comprising a real living wage bursary and a professional development budget. Additionally, they will receive industry mentoring and customised business support to propel their creative careers forward.

Tees Valley Artists of the Year aims to cultivate the region as a hub for artistic talent. The chosen artists were selected through a rigorous process involving panelists from leading cultural organisations in the region, Arts Council England, and the Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “We’ve got a great wealth of talent in our region, and we can all do more to shout it from the rooftops. We’re putting the building blocks in place by working alongside the BBC, North East Screen and The Northern Studios in Hartlepool, plus our investment in our Development Corporations in Hartlepool and Middlesbrough. We want to help our brightest talents thrive and build their careers here – and this award is one part of that plan.”

The selection panel was impressed by the exceptional quality and diversity of the applicants, highlighting the Tees Valley’s rich pool of creative talent. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the North team at Arts Council England and key figures in the arts sector.

Funding for the Artists of the Year program is provided through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), aiming to support and develop the creative industries in the region. Alison Gwynn, Creative Economy Lead for the Tees Valley Business Board and North East Screen Chief Executive, said: “A supported arts and culture scene is essential for nurturing local talent and creating vibrant careers.

“By investing in our creative industries, we ensure our region becomes a destination for talent, rivalling Manchester and London.” The Artists of the Year award is part of a broader £20.5m investment by the Tees Valley Combined Authority to boost the region’s creative and cultural industries.

Jane Tarr, Director North, Arts Council England, said: “We want the North to be a place where everyone can establish and sustain a creative career so it’s great to see the Tees Valley Combined Authority supporting artists at a key moment in their careers and helping with their business and professional development. We were pleased to be involved in the panels for the five Artists of the Year and looking forward to seeing how the opportunity takes their creative journeys forward.”

To learn more about Artists of the Year, visit the link here: https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/business/artists-of-the-year/

Location: Tees Valley