A launch event was held to learn more about the project
It is hoped that the new cultural district will boost the town’s economic future through arts and events.
North Shields Cultural Quarter was officially opened on Wednesday following a £1.9 million regeneration scheme.
It is based primarily on Howard Street and Saville Street and includes the Exchange 1856 Theater and the Globe Gallery.
Over the next five years, North Tyneside Council will work with local artists and creative businesses to fund a program of projects and events.
“Really nice people”
North Shields-based musician and artist Geoff Kirkwood said: ‘I left the area because I felt I needed to leave for my music career.
“Ten years later, I came back to a completely different place.”
Mr Kirkwood took over OneThreeOneSpace, a three-storey Victorian building in North Shields, to create studios and workspaces for creators and artists.
“It seems like we now have a common purpose and we’re really excited to play our part in it,” he said.
Hundreds of people attended Wednesday’s launch event.
The project is part-funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the North of Tyne Integration Authority Investment Fund.
Jamie Driscoll, an independent and elected mayor of North of Tyne, said: “We are looking for year-round jobs in the culture and tourism sector, such as planning festivals and running events that are not dependent on summer weather. “There is,” he said.
“That means more visitors and more side jobs, from shops and restaurants to joiners and accountants.”
Organizations such as North Tyneside Business Centre, Globe Gallery, Pinwheel and Helix Arts are all based in or have relocated to the Cultural Quarter.
“We’ve brought together some really cool people and let them do cool things together,” Helix Arts director Cheryl Gavin said.
“Now is your chance, your chance.”