Tees Valley Artists of the Year 2025

The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority have announced the second year of their Artists of the Year programme, supporting Tees Valley artists and collectives who live in the region and showcase a strong connection and dedication to it.

The programme will support artists working in:

• Film
• Literature
• Live Performance
• Music
• Visual Arts
• Craft & Design

We want to hear from artists/collectives who are 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 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 2025 and invited to take part in the talent accelerator programme.

Over a one-year period from April 2025 to March 2026, each selected artist/artist collective will receive a package of support.

• A bursary of £22,932, which is equivalent of one year of UK Real Living Wage.
• A development budget of up to £6,000.
• 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).

DOWNLOAD and READ THE GUIDANCE for full details on eligibility and how to apply. See here.

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).

Find out more about the 2024 Tees Valley Artists of the Year here.