ARC is committed to supporting and improving the amount and quality of artistic work being made in the North East region. We demonstrate this commitment by delivering a comprehensive programme of artist development, primarily aimed at drama, dance and spoken word artists.

Our vision is for ARC to become the place to see and develop new work in the Tees Valley and wider region – from its earliest stages at scratch nights, at showcase slots throughout the year, to fully-supported Associate Artist and Company productions.

The artist development programme incorporates a number of strands of activity:

• ARCADE performance artist network, and associated activities
• Associate Artists and Companies
• Residencies
• Projects

ARC recognises the importance of developing opportunities for local and regional artists to perform their work, alongside developing the artists themselves, and works with other regional and national venues and organisations to create new platforms and pathways.

In April 2012, ARC worked with the North East Venues group and NewcastleGateshead Cultural Venues to stage the region’s first Meet the Programmers event, held at Northern Stage. You can read a report of that event here and also download a copy of Passionate about artists, a guide to artist development opportunities in the North East of England launched at the event here.