Emerging Creative Associates 2026

Who are we looking for?

The programme is designed to support writers or creatives who use writing in their practice. We are interested in hearing about how this programme could help you to develop your practice or work towards a particular milestone. We are not asking you to outline a project for which you require funding, but rather to think about your creative development as a whole. 

During the application, we will ask you about your work date and how you would use this opportunity to further your practice. We want to hear from the writers and artists in our region about what they need to succeed. With this in mind, we do not want to be overly prescriptive during the application process and invite you to tell us how you would benefit from Emerging Creative Associates.  

We are open to applications from artists of any age who consider themselves to be in the early or emerging stages of their creative career.

However, some examples of people who might apply include (but are not limited to): 

• A writer interested in building a more sustainable portfolio career 
• A writer working on a long-term project, e.g. a novel, memoir, or poetry collection 
• A creative looking to incorporate a new element to their practice, e.g. spoken word poet interested in page poetry

What will be expected of me?

You will be required to attend two in-person sessions in central Newcastle.

Throughout the 6 months, you will receive three mentoring meetings. You will be expected to commit fully to the mentoring process, although this can be facilitated remotely to suit your needs.   

As well as the bespoke support you receive, Emerging Creative Associates is intended to be a network and a place to meet other artists in the region. You will be required to attend an evaluation meeting and will have further opportunities for informal mixers with the cohort. 

Who can apply?

Emerging Creative Associates is open to early career artists. Early career refers to writers or creatives of any age who consider themselves to be in the early or emerging stages of their career. 

This project is funded by The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and therefore only open to writers residing within a postcode located in the North East Combined Authority region (County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland).

At the time the programme begins, applicants must not be engaged in full-time education or enrolled in another government-funded, North East MSA funded skills programme or higher education (HE) programme.