Kim McGuinness has opened applications for £6 million of events funding across the North East over the next two years.
The programme will support both large signature events and community-led projects intended to strengthen local participation and promote the region.
Organisations can seek grants ranging from £10,000 to £500,000 for new events or existing programmes with the potential to grow. Expressions of interest must be submitted by 26 November.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to develop full business cases. The combined authority wants to build a pipeline of events running between April 2027 and March 2029 rather than fund a single festival season.
The new round follows the launch in March of an £11 million three-year events programme. That earlier programme has supported or considered activity including the Great North Run, Newcastle Pride, Durham Reads and the Mouth of the Tyne Festival.
McGuinness said the fund was intended to widen access to cultural activity while supporting local artists, organisers and creative businesses. Awards remain subject to assessment and approval.
