Community First: How We’re Powering the North’s Creative Culture

At Generator, community is not just something we serve. It’s something we build with.

For over 30 years, we’ve worked alongside artists, organisations and young people to create a cultural scene that belongs to the North East because we know talent lives here, even if the spotlight doesn’t always reach it.

Whether it’s through grassroots projects, inclusive education or region-wide events, our focus stays the same: give people the tools, access and confidence to shape the industry on their own terms.

Real work, real outcomes

Our programmes aren’t about ticking boxes. They are built around the actual barriers people face in trying to make a living from music and creativity.

This means putting opportunities where they are needed most. From our free 12-week Technical Skills for Live Events course to paid industry placements , we are working across the region to support the next generation of creatives. The impact is already clear: former participants are now working at record labels, festivals, theatres, TV and film right here in the North East.

And our support goes beyond skills. Through our partnership with Warner Music UK, we are reshaping what access to the music industry looks like. Together, we are building real pathways for underrepresented talent, those who have historically been excluded from the rooms where decisions are made.

The Generator Live Conference: community on the big stage

Each year, the Generator Conference brings the creative community together for a day of connection, ideas and action. It’s more than a conference. It’s a space where emerging artists meet industry leaders, where regional voices take the mic, and where new collaborations are born.

This is our community in action diverse, outspoken and ready to lead.

Championing youth, platforming new voices

Programmes like Young Promoters and our work with Youth Music have helped put power in the hands of young people. From running their own events to speaking on panels and shaping projects, they are not just involved and driving things forward.

Through artist development, mentoring, and our inclusive approach to partnership, we’re opening up more ways for people to get involved and stay involved, no matter their background or experience.

What community means to us

Community is not a strand of our work. It is the structure. It shapes how we design programmes, who we work with, and where we put our energy. We don’t believe in parachuting in. We believe in building up.

The North East has the culture, the talent and the audience. It just needs the infrastructure. That’s what we’re creating together.

Powering the North to lead in Music, Culture & Creativity