What does North Shields Cultural Quarter do?

  • Aims to grow the creative economy of North Shields to help regenerate the town centre
  • Invests in local talent across North Tyneside
  • Delivers free training for creative practitioners and businesses
  • Funds projects, events and experiences that will help develop the cultural economy
  • Connects like-minded people interested in culture and creativity
  • Attracts and welcomes newcomers

Where is it based?

Howard Street is its heart, but it celebrates talent from all around North Tyneside. At the centre of the Cultural Quarter are the newly-restored Exchange Theatre, Globe Gallery and North Tyneside Business Centre, the new home of Helix Arts. It’s part of a creative network, with North Tyneside standing proudly at its centre, that stretches across the whole region and beyond.

Why North Shields?

North Shields is a stunning setting for an energetic, friendly and fun artistic enclave, where the River Tyne meets the North Sea. There’s so much already here: artists, designers, musicians, writers, dancers, photographers, performers, venues, studio spaces, and critically, culturehungry audiences ready to embrace it all. We’re helping those who are established, supporting those who are moving in, and looking forward. We’re ready to celebrate the past, embrace the present and are excited about the future.

Projects and events

We will work with artists, creative practitioners and cultural businesses to co-produce a programme of projects and events. This will animate the North Shields Cultural Quarter and give residents and visitors the chance to enjoy high quality artistic experiences.

Skills development

We will work with a range of partners to develop a robust programme of skills development activities and bursary funding, for all ages. We will help creative practitioners further their professional experience, learn new skills and access sustainable business and employment opportunities in the cultural and creative sector.

The Cultural Quarter is part of North Tyneside Council’s ambitious plans for North Shields, enhancing and growing the creative economy. It’s a vibrant cultural corridor that links the revitalised Town Centre with the buzzing Fish Quay and the wider North Tyneside coast. A new Transport Hub, better cycle routes and multi-million pound investment in high-quality public spaces and public art complete the picture.

Please let us know you’re here, meet the neighbours, and let us keep you up to date with what’s happening.