|
|
|
|
|
News from Culture Durham
|
In December Culture Durham appointed consultant Stephen King to carry out some business plan modeling as we look how best to serve the culture sector across the county. This work is underway and Stephen will be in touch with a variety of organisations and people as he carries out this work. If you would like to be part of the consultation and haven’t already been contacted let us know via hello@culture.durham.gov.uk
|
Whilst this work progresses I will be stepping back from Culture Durham and from my role of Director of Northern Heartlands, with my retirement in March. Other members of the interim advisory committee will continue to meet and pick up various actions. In due course a new chair of Culture Durham will be appointed.
|
I have been involved in Culture Durham since 2017 as I became Director of Northern Heartlands. Culture Durham was formed as Durham submitted a bid to be the 2013 UK City of Culture, recognising that a unified voice, advocating and making the case for support of the sector, and increased partnership working is of benefit to all. The county has since made another bid for the UK City of Culture, with programming across the whole of County Durham. It made the 2025 shortlist though was pipped at the post by the city of Bradford.
|
The energy and vision of the 2025 City of Culture bid was transferred to a successful Arts Council England Place Partnership application resulting in Into the Light - County Durham’s place-based collaboration designed to drive long lasting growth. Culture Durham was key to the conception and success of the application and is delighted it is now in full swing, well into year two of a three year project. An update from Into the Light Programme Director Julia Handelman-Smith is included as part of this newsletter.
|
|
And finally, don't forget to vote for VisitEngland's National Tourism Superstar. A much loved voluneer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has made the shortlist. To find out more and vote see
|
I wish you all well as you work for continual growth within County Durham's culture sector for the benefit of all.
|
|
Jill Cole, Interim Chair, Culture Durham
|
|
|
|
|
Opportunities & Commissions
Spennymoor Town Council is looking to commission an artist or artist collective to create a fun, engaging Easter‑themed family activity or trail for Jubilee Park this spring. To find out more including the full brief contact events@spennymoortc.gov.uk
|
|
The Light is a major new cultural venue in Durham City bringing together art, science, history, creativity and community opening Summer 2026. There are a number of positions available which include:
|
The closing date for applications is 15th March.
|
|
If you have an opportunity or commission you'd like Culture Durham to share here or on our socials please contact hello@culture.durham.gov.uk
|
|
|
|
|
Be A Record Breaker - Do the Locomotion at Locomotion
Guiness World Records Offical Attempt
|
Why not pop along to Locomotion, the amazing Railway Musuem in Shildon, on Thursday 26 February and dance. Be part of a Guiness World Records attempt for the greatest number of people simultaneously performing the “Locomotion” dance at a single venue. For more information including a video showing how to do the dance, see
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Into the Light updates from Julia Handelman-Smith, Programme Director
We recently launched Spotlight – an exciting new strand of the Into the Light programme, designed for people in the community to share insights and get involved in shaping future opportunities.
Our first Spotlight event, held at Durham University in January, brought together artists, freelancers, partners and organisations, to reflect on what’s working well, where are the gaps, and what’s needed next. The conversation will continue throughout 2026 with a series of events and partnership meetings.
On another Spotlight related note, we are pleased to be launching our new podcast partnership with Durham Sixth Form Centre. We are co-creating a series with students that explores creative journeys at every stage, and offers young people hands-on experience in hosting, production and storytelling.
Alongside this, we’re delighted to announce the first paid placement through the Beamish Skills Hub – hosted by Coalfield Studios. This eight-week, paid opportunity is aimed at people of all ages interested in filmmaking, editing and visual storytelling. It reflects our shared commitment to creating meaningful, paid pathways into creative industries across County Durham.
There’s not long left to apply – details below:
Closing date: 19 February 2026
Find out more and apply here:
https://www.jobtrain.co.uk/beamishmuseum/Job/JobDetail?JobId=125
As we look towards the spring, we’ll be announcing our next Spotlight event, where we are looking forward to hearing from people across the arts. We also invite anyone interested to join our creative community – here, you’ll be the first to hear about Spotlight events, drop-ins, and Into the Light opportunities.
|
|
Julia Handelman-Smith, Programme Director, Into the Light
|
|
|
|
Keeping in Touch
|
Do get in touch if you have news or information you’d like us to share via Culture Durham’s newsletter hello@culture.durham.gov.uk If you aren't already on Culture Durham's mailing list you can sign up here
|
|
|
|
|
|
 
|
|
|
|
