Into the Light has returned with a major boost for the region’s creative sector, announcing its new Cultivate Commissions programme offering creative opportunities worth almost £80,000 in total.
During its latest Spotlight Series event at Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Into the Light welcomed around 100 artists, creative freelancers and cultural organisations for a collaborative gathering focused on building connections, sharing ideas and exploring ways to strengthen arts and culture across County Durham.
As well as exploring regional collaboration opportunities, it was announced that applications are now open for creatives to apply for a total of 20 commissions, worth £3,900 each, via partner organisation, Northern Heartlands, which is overseeing Cultivate Commissions.
Katy Milne, Creative Director at Northern Heartlands, said:
“Creativity exists in every corner of County Durham; these commissions are about creating the conditions for it to grow, connect and be seen. Building on the learning from 2024/5 Cultivate Commissions, which Northern Heartlands led jointly with No More Nowt, we are proud to once again support creative practitioners and communities through the Into the Light partnership, helping people develop ideas that are rooted in place and shaped by the people who live here.
“We’ve already seen how powerful this support can be. Previous commissions sparked new collaborations, built confidence, opened doors, and created work that genuinely resonates within communities. When creatives are trusted and resourced, they create experiences that strengthen local identity, encourage creativity and participation and contribute to a more connected cultural future for the county.”
Previous 2024/5 commission recipient and artist Lizzie Lovejoy added,
“The support I received through Into The Light and Northern Heartlands has been game changing. It encouraged me to explore new ways of working with a feeling of safety. As a result, I created a new body of work which crossed multiple mediums and methods. This has pushed me into my subsequent work, now I create more than ever before. There is so much power in being able to ‘make a mess’.
“The most exciting part of the commission was the opportunity to make connections with many communities and organisations. It meant we could develop and create work together. It really showed me the full strength of collaboration and co-creation. It’s a true County Durham tradition.”
Into the Light Programme Director, Julia Handelman-Smith, said:
“Our Spotlight events are becoming an important space for the county’s creative community to come together, exchange ideas and shape what comes next collectively. There was a strong sense of generosity and ambition in the room at Redhills, with people openly sharing challenges, opportunities and aspirations for County Durham’s cultural future.
“The 2026/7 Cultivate Commissions we have launched with Northern Heartlands, are not just about funding individual projects, they are about investing in relationships, creativity and long-term cultural growth across the county. Events like this remind us of the talent that already exists here and the potential we have when we create space for collaboration and shared learning.”
The event was open to all, with guests attending a variety of workshops designed to shine a light on the tangible opportunities for performers, digital creators, filmmakers, and designers, enabling them to test ideas, collaborate and deliver new projects.
At a time when many feel compelled to leave their hometowns in search of creative opportunities, the Into the Light team sees this funding as a vital lifeline, empowering people to remain, thrive, and take pride in where they come from.
The insights gathered at the event will help to shape a shared vision for arts and creativity in County Durham, culminating in a county-wide cultural report, which will be unveiled at the next Spotlight event this summer.
For more information and to apply for a commission, visit: https://www.intothelightdurham.co.uk/cultivate-commissions
