THE JOURNEY SO FAR
The Culture Durham Partnership came together in 2009 as a collective of cultural organisations across County Durham bidding for UK City of Culture 2013. The partnership continues to work collaboratively because we know that we are stronger together than apart.
In 2023 we reviewed our priorities, ways of working and governance and formed an interim advisory group to implement the recommendations of the review and recruit a new board.
Since then, the energy, strength and maturity of the partnership has continued to grow.
We worked closely with Durham County Council on the bid for UK City of Culture 2025, and we’re now playing a key role in the delivery of ‘Into The Light’ – the county’s ambitious 3-year Place Partnership programme funded by Arts Council England – in partnership with Durham County Council and Durham University.
As the body representing and advocating for the cultural sector in County Durham, we are proud supporters of our “Culture County”, embedding culture into the promotion of the county as a destination for visitors near and far, and improving the lives of those who live, work and study in Durham.
Culture Durham aims to be as representative of our sector as possible and we’re always ready to welcome new members, perspectives and ideas to ensure that we are.
Find out how you can get involved by contacting hello@culture.durham.org.ukWho we are and what we do
Culture Durham is here to create more opportunities for culture to change lives for the better across County Durham. We are a diverse collective of experts working in and passionate about the cultural sector in County Durham.
We provide our time on a largely voluntary basis to:
• Raise awareness of County Durham’s collective cultural offer.
• Make the case for investment in and partnership with our sector.
• Identify and share opportunities for our cultural sector to deliver projects and participate in training and events.
• Share best practice, knowledge and connections.
Our amazing county has stunning coastline, hills and dales with communities living in rural and urban settings. There is unique built heritage representing industry, past, present, and future; a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its spectacular Cathedral and Castle; a world leading university, innovative colleges, and schools; first class cricket and grass root sport; dark skies and unique geology in a UNESCO Global Geopark. This rich and distinctive backdrop is the context for visual art, theatre, music, museums, events, and visitor attractions for residents and visitors alike. The county is not without its challenges and Culture Durham strives to put culture at the heart of its communities for the common good.
The work we do brings together the cultural community across the county, providing opportunities to share ideas, best practice, discuss key issues, learn about and access funding opportunities, network with like-minded and not so like-minded people, celebrating difference, broadening horizons, and much, much more.
Equality in Durham
Culture Durham aims to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone working in, or with, the culture and heritage sector in County Durham.
We want to challenge all forms of oppression including those based on race, ethnicity, nationality, creed, gender, sex, class, sexuality, gender reassignment, learning ability, physical impairment, mental illness, HIV status, age, occupation, income, wealth and unrelated criminal conviction.
We aim to design our activities, services and decision-making processes specifically to encourage and support participation from people who face disadvantage in society in general and in the culture and heritage sector specifically, including women, BME people, disabled people, LGBTQ people, people on low incomes and those who face digital exclusion.
We aspire to be inclusive and transparent in our own decision-making processes and we are committed to supporting sustainability, fair pay and conditions and improved equity for freelancers and independent practitioners.
Interim advisory group members
- Jill Cole, Director, Northern Heartlands (co-chair)
- Councillor Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council (co-chair)
- Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, Curator – Raby Estates
- Hannah Fox, Executive Director -The Bowes Museum
- Deborah Heron, Director People and Culture, Beamish
- Jess Hunt, Director – No More Nowt
- Sarah Price, Head – Locomotion
- Janet Stewart, Executive Dean of Arts and Humanities – Durham University
- Martin Wilson MBE, Co-Director – TIN Arts
About our Interim Advisory Group Members
Organisations we work with
- The Auckland Project
- Beamish. the Living Museum of the North
- The Bowes Museum
- Create North
- Durham Cathedral
- Durham County Council
- Durham County Cricket Club
- Durham Music Service
- Durham University
- Ensemble ‘84
- Elysium Theatre
- The Forge
- Highlights Rural Touring Scheme
- Jack Drum Arts
- Locomotion
- No More Nowt
- Northern Heartlands
- North Pennines National Landscape
- Raby Castle
- Redhills
- The Story
- TIN Arts
- Ushaw
- Visit County Durham
- The Witham
Regional and national stakeholders
Upcoming opportunities
View all opportunitiesStronger together
We’re firm believers in being stronger together.
Culture Durham aims to be as representative of our sector as possible and we’re always ready to welcome new members, perspectives and ideas to ensure that we are.
