Tees Valley Combined Authority has been working closely with partners and submitted the Tees Valley UKSPF Investment Plan to Government in July 2022. This covered the funding period April 2022 – March 2025.
This Investment Plan is being considered by Government and we anticipate national sign off very soon. We have published an overview of the Investment Plan which can be found here.
In anticipation of obtaining approval for the Investment Plan, and as we move towards delivery, we have developed a draft Implementation Plan. This sets out delivery approaches, business process, and a Forward Plan for allocation of resource. Following agreement by the UKSPF Local Partnership Group, the Forward Plan will be published on the TVCA website. This will include timescales for issuing open calls. It will remain a live document that is updated as the programme develops.
LIVE OPEN CALL under the ‘Communities and Place Investment Priority’ - Cultural Industries Cluster Development
The Cultural Industries Cluster Development Open Call invites proposals for projects which will contribute to the sustainable growth of the cultural industries sector in Tees Valley. This is part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s Growth Programme for the Creative and Visitor Economies.
Who is it for?
Creative and cultural freelancers, organisations, businesses, and consortia working in the cultural industries sector.
How it works
There are three investment pathways in this Open Call:
- Test & Explore – over £1K up to 10K
- Mobilise – over £10K up to £150K
- Scale Up – over £150K up to £350K
Key Dates
Programme opens: 12 noon, 11th October 2022.
There are TWO application deadlines:
- 2022 – Deadline for full applications – 12 noon, 28th November 2022
- 2023 – Deadline for full applications – 12 noon, 17th February 2023
For Mobilise and Scale Up Pathways only, an EOI must be submitted prior to being invited to make a detailed application (see relevant pages for more information link below).
The Cultural Industries Cluster Development Open Call will support projects which:
- Strengthen business models
- Foster innovation, collaboration, and connectivity
- Increase regional cultural and creative export
- Develop, attract, and retain skills and talent
- Grow diversity and representation in the workforce
- Improve environmental impacts
- Unlock inward investments
For this Open Call, proposals that respond to the needs of the following sub-sectors will be prioritised:
- Music
- Visual Arts
Full details and how to apply can be found here
Multiply Programme
The Multiply Investment Plan has now been approved by Government. A call for Lead Providers from the existing TVCA Skills Provider Framework closed last week. Once Lead Providers are appointed, details will be published on TVCA’s website, and they will then be able to onboard providers that are not on the Framework as they commence delivery.
Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF)
In addition to the UKSPF allocation a further £625k has been allocated to Tees Valley to be spent in rural areas as it is acknowledged that they face additional challenges.
Based on Government methodology the area eligible for this funding is Redcar & Cleveland in specified areas.
Investment Priorities:
- Support new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy.
- Support new and improved community infrastructure, providing essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy.
REPF should not replace funding plans for rural areas under the UKSPF. It is a top-up to help address extra needs & challenges facing rural areas. As the Lead Authority TVCA is required to complete and submit an addendum to the wider UKSPF Investment Plan. To do this a Working Group has been established and work is underway to establish the evidence base, challenges, and opportunities to inform the development of the addendum.
Next Steps
- 3 October 2022 to 30 November 2022 - Rural Fund addendum submissions window
- January 2023 - anticipated date for approval of Rural Fund proposals
- April 2023 - first payments expected to lead authorities
If you require any further information, please contact sue.donnelly@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk.