The North East Culture Awards are back for their 19th year, celebrating the region’s artistic and creative community. Entries are now open, inviting the public to nominate artists, organisations, venues and creative champions who make the North East one of the UK’s most exciting cultural regions.
Event Details
The awards will return to Stockton Globe for a second consecutive year on November 26, 2026, hosted by regular master of ceremonies Chris Connel. The event is held in partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority.
Award Categories
Categories recognise excellence across exhibitions, festivals, events, artists, writers, musicians, comedians, makers, venues, and behind-the-scenes contributors. The Off Stage Creative of the Year category returns, celebrating technical and creative talent in lighting, sound, set and costume design, producing, stage management and curating.
History and Impact
Established in 2006, the awards celebrate the breadth, diversity and ambition of the North East’s cultural landscape from the Tees Valley to the Scottish Borders. Each year, finalists and winners are honoured, and live performances showcase the region’s creative talent. Last year, Ensemble '84 and Isango Ensemble won three awards, including Performance of the Year for Mother Courage and Her Children. Actor Micky Cochrane was named Performing Artist of the Year, and Ruth Raynor received Writer of the Year for her play ‘Grounded’.
Sponsors and Support
This year’s awards are supported by Arts Council England, Durham University, Newcastle University and The Northern School of Art. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "We create outstanding talent here and it's important we celebrate and promote our success. The North East Culture Awards are a great way to mark the superb achievements of our talent who are making their mark at home and further afield. Through our Investment Zone, we are dedicated to driving forward our region and making major projects happen. This will ensure we become an engine room for creativity and a place where people build their careers in creative industries close to home."
Jane Tarr, director North East, Arts Council England, said: “The North East Culture Awards are always a highlight in the autumn calendar so I’m very pleased that we are once again supporting them. The awards recognise the huge creative talent in our region and celebrate the many achievements of the last year and the difference culture makes to us and our communities.”
Who Can Be Nominated
The awards are open to anyone or anything that made a significant contribution to the North East’s cultural landscape between September 2025 and the end of September 2026. Nominations can be made for an individual, group, organisation, venue, event, performance or exhibition.
How to Nominate
Nominations are open now at www.necultureawards.com. The deadline for submissions is 5pm on September 28.
