Tees Valley Artists of the Year 2024

The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority have launched a new programme for Tees Valley artists/collectives who live in Tees Valley and/or have an operational base in the Tees Valley and the majority of their work is delivered/made in the Tees Valley.  Please note the eligibility criteria was updated on 20.02.24. Please see updated guidance document which reflects these changes.

The programme will support artists working in: 

• Dance  
• Film 
• Literature 
• Live Performance  
• Music 
• Theatre 
• Visual Arts  

We are looking for artists who are exceptional in their field; have a body of original creative work; have received professional recognition and need an extra boost and support to make a career-tipping difference. This could be selling your work to a national market, touring your first national show or cutting a record deal or maybe paving the way to breaking onto the international stage. 

You might describe yourself as an emerging artist with building momentum or an established creative who has been under-celebrated due to barriers you have faced in accessing wider markets. Whatever your starting point, if you can demonstrate your talent and potential, and tell us what difference this support will make, we want to hear from you. 

Up to five artists/artist collectives will be selected as Tees Valley Artists of the Year 2024 and invited to take part in the talent accelerator programme. 

Over a one-year period from April 2024 to March 2025, each selected artist/artist collective will receive a package of support. 

• A bursary of £21,840, which is equivalent of one year of UK Real Living Wage.  
• A development budget of up to £8,160 
• Development and network support from the most appropriate regional Arts Council National Portfolio organisation/Sector Development organisation in the region.  
• Mentoring support from an industry recognised mentor from outside the region  
• Tailored PR, marketing and fundraising support 
• Peer support and training. 
• Personal access costs (if required) 

The programme has been launched by the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority, will be overseen by the Tees Valley Business Board, and is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).