2025 2026
CONTENTS
1
Welcome
2
Exhibitions & Projects
3
Developing Artists
5
Creating a Community Resource
7
Looking Ahead
4
Providing Space
6
The Financial Picture
WELCOME We’re happy to be sharing The NewBridge Project’s first annual impact report. It has been five years since we moved into our building in Shieldfield and this report reflects the ways in which we continue to see those early relationships and connections develop and flourish. We have continued to embed co-creation across all areas of our work, and these programmes have proved meaningful for North East artists and local residents alike. As an artist-led organisation, our Programme Committee placed artists voices at the centre of our programmes, responding to the times we live in. They produced an incredible calendar of exhibitions and events with different approaches, from expansive and ambitious event programmes to a mini community festival to a deliberately slow research-led programme of walks and skill shares. We secured funding to recruit a new team for our hyperlocal work in the neighbourhood. Through food, music, socials and community gatherings, we’ve celebrated many cultures, generated creative collaborations and continued to help make Shieldfield a great place to live. Alongside this, our Youth Programme in partnership with Dwellbeing Shieldfield has grown considerably since it began in response to local need. This year we expanded to support over 60 young people every week through weekly three sessions. The young people took on and developed some ambitious new projects this year, exploring music, the environment and anti-racism. Artist development has always been at the heart of what we do, and an independent evaluation - summarised in this report - evidenced the social, creative, and economic impact our work has had to date. It proved the enormous value that organisations like ours have for artist’s and creatives in the region, and confirmed what we see every day, including the importance of studio provision on people’s networks, skills and opportunities.
Which leads me to another significant milestone this year; securing a further five-year lease extension at our Shieldfield home until 2031. While it isn’t forever, it means we can keep on delivering this impact for and alongside our artists and residents; affordable studios, skills development, open welcoming spaces, exciting public programmes and more. Thank you to those that have made our work possible over the last year – our brilliant NewBridge team, artists and freelancers, studio members, residents, committee members, our trustees, funders, partners, and supporters, and everyone who has visited or taken part in our exhibitions, projects and events.
Rebecca Huggan, Director
Our ambitious programme of exhibitions, projects and events is forged in dialogue with artists, members, residents and collaborators. Responsive to the environment, it builds solidarity, encourages experimentation, and enables long-term collaboration. Here are some of the year’s programme highlights;
“I love seeing representation of often under-represented communities and movements” – Audience Feedback
Everyday Algorithms Building on years of informal and inclusive gatherings through Shelly Knotts’ Creative Code Club, this was an interactive exhibition and public programme. With committee member Shelly, we commissioned seven artists to show new and existing work exploring algorithms in our daily lives, and four local artists were awarded bursaries to respond to the themes. 1,195 people visited the exhibition, which featured a computer game, a showreel from Creative Code Club members, a collaboration with our youth programme, and an interactive audio guide.
The Uncanny Carnival Led by comedian and Programme Committee member Seymour Mace, June’s one-day Uncanny Carnival brought together 60 artists and partners, celebrating creativity at the heart of our local communities. 500 people of all ages attended and enjoyed face-painting, bubbles, henna, collective making and incredible performances throughout the day.
“NewBridge has genuinely made the crossover into a community-oriented art organisation.” –Corridor 8, August 2025
Resounding Diasporic Sonic Worlds Researcher and Programme Committee member Ellie Armon Azoulay’s exhibition delved into music’s role in social movements around the world. Emphasising listening as a political act, it featured nine artists and four archives, including Palestinian Sound Archive and Request Line, and offered listening sessions, workshops and a collaboration with our youth programme. 979 people visited.
“We’re reminded about the politics of listening, the politics of attention.” – Visual Culture in Britain
EXHIBI & PRO
9
Exhibitions : 3,251 visitors
ITIONS OJECTS
Bernicia’s Garden
2
large scale projects: 561 attendees
This intentionally slow project curated by artist and Programme Committee member Holly Argent invited us to explore our relationship to plant-life and land. It included 3 public walks, a research commission, and a series of skill-sharing workshops with NewBridge’s queer gardening group, TopSoil.
“It feels really special and unique to Newcastle to share knowledge, experience urban spaces, and re-evaluate perceptions together - and it’s totally inclusive.” – Walk participant
Lintukoto An immersive sound installation by Finnish Newcastle-based artist and studio member Henna Asikainen. Henna transformed our gallery into a forest of birds’ nests, emitting human and non-human voices on migration, climate change, and creating sanctuary in an age marked by crisis. This was shown alongside The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing by Palestinian filmmaker Theo Panagopoulos.
“Both works confront us with the toxicity of the ‘havens’ pursued by Western Imperialism.” - Corridor 8, December 2025
Document H.E.T An exhibition of pre-internet printed matter and ephemera developed by artist and NewBridge Print Studio co-founder Niall Greaves, where the gallery became a space for gathering, reading, making zines and printing in-situ. The collection of 1970s-1990s print culture formed the backdrop for a public programme of events, screenings and workshops as part of our For Solidarity programme.
“There is a community of people here beneath this exhibition, and within this organisation, artist-led at its core.” - Art Monthly
Collective Disruption Our two main Artist Development programmes came together for the first time in December; our formative and experimental programme The Collective Studio, and Create/Disrupt for aspiring artists and art workers who have not attended university. For Collective Disruption, members of both programmes co-produced an exhibition of artworks, films and performances. 24 artists exhibited and 170 people visited over the week of the exhibition.
DEVELOPING ARTISTS We support artists from all backgrounds and at all stages of their careers. Our Artist Development Programmes create space for artists to test ideas, take risks and push the boundaries of their practice in a responsive, supportive and inclusive environment. We actively reduce barriers to participation through affordable provision, bursaries and inclusive delivery approaches, widening access and supporting under-represented groups within the creative sector. We offer hands-on work experience and development opportunities to regional creatives across all of our programmes, from facilitating a neighbourhood activity to helping install an exhibition. This year in total we worked with 677 artists and freelancers, and commissioned 149 artists and facilitators. In the last year, alumni from our programmes have gone on to a wide range of opportunities, including higher education, paid work, exhibitions and commissions. Our programmes provide artists with the skills they need to work with other communities, collaborators and organisations across the region, nationally and internationally.
£12,874
distributed in Artist Development bursaries
£7,635
given in bursaries for studio space
84
one-to-one mentoring sessions Measuring Impact This year we came to the end of a three-year Skills for Growth programme funded by the North East MSA, and in partnership with Newcastle University. Research by Ortus Economic Research showed the economic value of our programmes in that time was between £3.5m and £6.7m. Our programmes delivered;
“substantial economic, social and cultural value…, generated meaningful career outcomes for artists, and strengthened the creative ecology of the North East.” 90% of participants reported improved confidence
in their artistic practice 93% agreed our programmes contribute positively to the regional artistic community 83% acquired or developed transferable skills 65% had already earned additional income from commissions or paid creative work, with a further 19% expecting to do so
Programme Committee Crucial to our artist-led approach to public programming, our committee is a group of artists, curators, writers and organisers who ensure that many different voices, interests and practices are represented.
6
programme committee members
6
shows and projects
Practice Makes Practice Skills workshops and events open to all, giving people the tools to manage and develop their careers. This includes regular memberled sessions; Peer Review, Binder art book club, Creative Code Club and more. We’re also a member of the Kaleidoscope Network with several other cultural organisations, which provides additional professional development opportunities.
19
67
workshops and events
artists/facilitators
23
150
member-led sessions
participants & 137 online audiences
The Collective Studio
Create/ Disrupt
With an ethos of long-term, process-led, artist development, The Collective Studio is a formative, experimental programme driven by the interests of each unique cohort. The twelvemonth programme offers space, training, events and opportunities. This year’s participants took part in 26 sessions and workshops based around unusual, exciting activities, primarily led by past cohort members.
For aspiring artists and art workers who have not attended university. Through workshops, mentoring, studio space, field trips, shadowing and exhibition opportunities, emerging artists forge a supportive creative community whilst developing their own practice.
33
Completed Collective Studio
“There isn’t an opportunity I have received as an artist or art worker which can’t be linked back in some way to connections and experiences had at The NewBridge Project.” – Collective Studio participant
15
People completed Create/Disrupt
“A game-changer” – Create/Disrupt participant
BreakOut
Co-Act
An extension of Create/Disrupt, BreakOut introduced young people to creative careers and alternative pathways into the sector, over two days of workshops with 12 artist facilitators. After taster sessions in a range of disciplines, the young people displayed their work in a public exhibition.
Supported by Jerwood Foundation, for sociallyengaged artists. Over 18 months two artists will be supported to develop their practices, with a focus on food stories and the bringing together of local diasporic communities.
23
2
Participants
socially engaged artists
100% of participants said that they would consider a career in the arts after attending BreakOut.
Will culminate in a new public project in 2027
PROVIDING SPACE Affordable artist studios have always been central to NewBridge, ever since our establishment in 2010. Here in Shieldfield, we have a wonderful, active, vibrant community, with people working across multiple disciplines. Space is crucial for artists and creatives to start or continue their practice, develop their careers and realise new work, and having our building allows us to nurture an inclusive, collaborative environment, and an engaged community of artists. A long-term documentary project is just beginning that will capture the community that forms in and around NewBridge. A living snapshot, the project will make visible the many studio members and artists who call our building their home. We were proud to feature as a case study this year in CVAN’s Framing the Future report, contributing to the national case for capital investment in grassroots studio and creative spaces. We also featured in the Julie’s Bicycle’s annual report in recognition of our commitment to environmental sustainability.
98 studio members
20 hotdesk members 60 people approx on waiting list 86 hires of our spaces by studio members 86 associate members 18 external hires of our project space
“NewBridge is an anchor for the artistic community in Newcastle and greatly contributes to the retention of artistic practitioners in Newcastle. If NewBridge was no longer here, I would consider moving away from the region to another city that would have an organisation like NewBridge, since I rely on their work to support my career, continue learning and belong to an artistic community.” - Studio Member
NewBridge Books Our bookshop and social space is unique to the North East of England, providing a platform for independent publishers and artists who self-publish. In 2025-2026 we stocked 210 new publications, zines and artworks from:
21 North East artists/creatives 9 International publishers 41 National small presses & publishers 8 North East indie & small publishers
Measuring impact The Ortus Economic Research report identified how the effective combining of skills, space, networks and paid opportunities delivers stronger and more sustained outcomes than isolated interventions. The report showed how fostering collaboration, belonging and shared identity impacted on artists’ wellbeing and career progression.
“Holistic, ecosystem-based models are highly effective…a key social impact of the project lies in its contribution to building a strong and inclusive artistic community.“ “Offering multiple entry points enables engagement from diverse participants, including those facing structural barriers. NewBridge’s infrastructure, reputation and convening power underpin the programme’s success and wider ecosystem impacts.”
CREATING A COMMUNITY RESOURCE Promoting wellbeing, creativity and skills development, our co-developed programmes grow and adapt in response to the needs of the people in our neighbourhood. We bring people together across cultural, generational and social boundaries.
950
Community members reached
45 8 8 5
Coffee mornings
Memory Cafes
Saturday Socials
Community celebrations
Neighbourhood Programme Our regular Coffee Mornings and Saturday Socials foster shared ownership and belonging of local spaces in Shieldfield, offering creative, accessible ways for residents to meet, build friendships and feel valued within the community. Our monthly Memory Cafés, in partnership with the Forum Cafe, support people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, learning differences and neurodiverse conditions, with creative activitities led by guest artists.
“The Memory Café isn’t just a support group – it’s a defiant, creative, inclusive response to a world that often sidelines the vulnerable and the overlooked.” – North East Bylines, June 2025.
.
Shieldfield Youth Programme
“It’s been one of the best experiences of my life coming here. I love to come and mix with the younger people, we have good discussions; it keeps my brain going. It does me the world of good, I think it’s wonderful.” – Blanche, 89, is a regular attendee of our weekly Coffee Mornings and Saturday Socials.
In partnership with Dwellbeing Shieldfield, our youth programme is underpinned by our combined creative values but genuinely led by the young people and their interests. It’s a safe space, away from the pressures of home and school, with trusted adults to talk to. With fun and inspiring activities, our team help young people to find their strengths, develop their skills and grow up feeling good about themselves. This year they also got involved with our community celebrations and joined in with partnership events like the Ouseburn Festival, and two of our older members also joined the Newcastle Youth Panel, contributing to decision-making across the city. •
80 sessions 40-60 young people per week 170 young people registered 14 guest artists/musicians
“SYP means to me new experiences, nice moments, getting to know people better and just bringing people together.” – Bruna (Pictured)
Celebrations & Chef Residencies Our events included migrant-led community meals, women-only dance parties and inclusive neighbourhood gatherings. In September, 55 people attended our community meal and exhibition for Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year), organised by our 2025 Chef-in-Residence Tigist Tegegne (pictured).
5
Community Celebrations
“Thanks so much for everything. I’m very happy, I’m enjoying today,” – Attendee at a dance party for migrant women
For Solidarity This ongoing project shares learnings about solidarity economies. It is helping to grow a peer support network of grassroots organisations, projects, initiatives and individuals in the region who are offering alternatives to the extractive mainstream economic system.
11
Events this year
2
Publications: ‘Living in Solidarity’ & ‘Rooting for Community Gardens’
129
Organisations represented on the For Solidarity map
Reading Room
TopSoil
A resource for artists, activists, and thinkers, with workshops, screenings, and talks inspired by the books housed in the library. Addressing topics such as the environment, LGBTQ+ issues, structural racism, and more.
Our queer gardening club meets every week at an allotment space near NewBridge. This year Programme Committee member Holly Argent organised a series of workshops for Topsoil including a seed saving event with The Gaia Foundation and zine making with Sage Bryce.
11
40
Books Borrowed
2
Events
Weekly Topsoil Sessions
3
Group walks exploring
5
Skill sharing workshops
“Topsoil is the only place I feel like I can fully be myself.” – Topsoil member
THE FINANCIAL PICTURE Since moving to Shieldfield, our team and programmes have grown responsively to the needs of artists and communities in our neighbourhood and across the region, and we have sought funding to support this development. Our mixed income model ensures we aren’t reliant on funding to be in our space. Our earned income from studio fees and space hires directly covers our overheads for the building - with none of this contributing to programme or other staff costs - which also means we can keep our studios as affordable as possible for artists.
£678,224
£635,978
INCOME 25/26
EXPENDITURE 25/26
Trusts & Grants: £410,477 Studios and Memberships: £141,359 Museums & Galleries Tax Relief: £53,931 Partnerships: £45,326 Other earned Income: £18,131
Projects, Exhibitions & Bookshop: £50,455 Neighbourhood programme: £20,035 Artist Development: £90,229 Staff: £312,951 Staff training & Development: £5,682 Freelance staff: £12,924 Organisational development: £9,274 Access: £1,640 Marketing: £12,733 Overheads: £104,460 Depreciation: £15,145
However much of our programme and project delivery and staff salaries are dependent on short-term grant funding - vital for supporting the work we do, but precarious. This means the sustainability of this work remains at risk from one funding outcome to the next. In 2025-26 we submitted 21 funding/tender applications (worth £1,076,508). Nine were successful (£884,101) including securing £756,170 for our 2026-2029 artist development work through the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority’s Create Talent programme. Additional grant funding came from Arts Council England, SHED and the Newcastle Cultural Investment Fund. We aim to keep six months’ general reserves (£297,000) and an additional £50,000 designated reserve to support potential building development or relocation fees at the end of our current tenancy (currently 2031) - our current free reserves stand at £171,143. The NewBridge Project is a registered charity, and our full financial reports can be found on the Charities Commission website.
LOOKING AHEAD As we head into our 16th year, we’re celebrating our newly awarded Gallery of Sanctuary status, and have been reflecting on our long-term For Solidarity programme through an exhibition and series of events. Both reflect our commitment to bringing people together across social and cultural boundaries, which feels more urgent now than ever. Our Gallery of Sanctuary award recognises the work we’ve been doing with sanctuary seekers since we moved to Shieldfield, a neighbourhood that has welcomed people from all over the world, whilst our Document HET exhibition and accompanying public events programme speaks to our trans-local work around building connections, friendships and networks. We will continue to strengthen the connections between our programmes, and we’re excited to continue our embedded work in Shieldfield. We are currently working with local partners and residents to shape a 25-year vision for our collective work here, and to write a five-year strategic plan that contributes to our long-term future. We’ve secured another five years in our building but need to continue thinking about what comes next. Our space is not just where we work, it is crucial to our whole approach creating an engaged community and valued resource. Our artist development programmes - now supported through the North East MSA’s Create Talent programme - will continue to remove barriers to creative careers and help artists and freelancers to thrive. We’ve also launched a series of ambitious commissions with artists, which build on NewBridge’s work around artist development and community-led programming. Upcoming exhibitions and projects are rooted in Shieldfield and shaped by many voices, including soft sculptural dance-inspired project Abundance with Lizzie Klotz and Bethany Wells and many collaborators; a long-term project to document the community that forms in, and around, NewBridge with photographers Phyllis Christopher and David Hall; and watch out for the return of our members show this autumn. This report was designed by Niall Greaves, and made possible by Newcastle University Business School. With thanks to Ortus Economic Research, Paul Richter, Emma Coffield and Julia Heslop, and our many partners, friends, and funders.
www.thenewbridgeproject.com