An appeal has gone out for young and diverse artists, producers and promoters to get involved in this year’s Mouth of the Tyne Festival.
The development programme is open to people, aged between 18 and 34, and gives the opportunity to influence future festivals.
‘Front and Centre’ participants will attend a series of meetings with cultural leaders and creators in outdoor arts, have the opportunity to watch live performances and even influence future festival projects.
Mouth of the Tyne Festival, organised by North Tyneside Council, is in its 15th year and will be opened by North Shields-born Sam Fender with Rick Astley, Jack Savoretti and the Proclaimers completing the headline acts line up.
Martin Wilson, Director, of TIN Arts, said: “This year we’re working closely with the organisers to engage and support talented people from North Tyneside communities that are currently under-represented in the arts.
“It can be very hard for people facing socio-economic barriers, of a Black and Minority Ethnic background or living with a disability to make progress in this field and with an event featuring many styles of live music, street theatre, dance, circus and other performances in a variety of outdoor locations, it presents a great opportunity to give these artists a platform.” he added.
Guest speakers for the meetings include Matt Feerick, Artistic Director of Wet Picnic who are performing “The Aperitif” at this year’s festival and Angus MacKechnie, Executive Director of Outdoor Arts UK.
Helix Arts is also supporting the scheme and participants will be encouraged to join North Tyneside Artists' Hub every quarter in North Shields.
The programme is open to North Tyneside residents aged 18-34 years, with an interest in presenting, performing or creating their own work in an outdoor setting. Some expenses may be provided.
Anyone interested in finding out more should visit www.tinarts.co.uk and complete an online form by 8am on Monday 24 June 2019. Successful applicants will be notified by 28 June 2019.
Help and advice is available from Marc Jones on 0300 124 0448 or at frontandcentre@tinarts.co.uk.
Front and Centre is supported by Arts Council England and delivered in partnership with North Tyneside Council and Helix Arts.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The Mouth of the Tyne Festival takes place between 11-14 July in Tynemouth and features sell-out concerts at Tynemouth Priory and Castle from Sam Fender, Jack Savoretti, Rick Astley and The Proclaimers. There is a free programme of international street theatre, live jazz, a children’s pageant and activities at Tynemouth Station including interactive fun for under 5s and their families. More information at www.mouthofthetynefestival.com.
