Dear BEA Supporter 

Tell us what you think about plans for a Berwick Culture and Creative Zone 

BEA is currently part of an Advisory Group set up by Northumberland County Council to develop plans for an exciting new Culture and Creative Zone (CCZ) in Berwick-upon-Tweed. I’m contacting you to ask for your views on the plans so far. 

The CCZ will provide support and investment to help businesses, freelancers, artists and community groups working in the cultural and creative industries to develop and grow (a list of the types of activities covered by the cultural and creative industries is provided below*). Berwick is set to benefit from a CCZ as it’s been recognised as a place with huge potential to expand and enhance its cultural offer. 

We want to make sure the plans for Berwick’s CCZ meet your needs and support your future ambitions, and those of your colleagues working across Northumberland’s cultural and creative industries. With your help, we can ensure that Berwick provides a uniquely supportive and thriving environment for creative people to develop their skills, make a career in the creative industries, and grow their businesses and income. 

A summary document About Berwick CCZ briefly explains the ideas we’ve developed so far about what the CCZ could do and the types of support it could offer. We’d really like to hear what you think about our ideas, and any other views you have on how Berwick CCZ can help people and businesses locally to succeed.

I’d really appreciate it if you could take 10 minutes to read the brief summary document and provide your feedback by completing this short online questionnaire:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BerwickCCZCQ1

The closing date for the questionnaire is 5pm Wednesday 2nd February 2022. 

The survey has been prepared by New Skills Consulting (independent researchers), who are working with us to develop plans for Berwick CCZ. All responses to the survey are confidential and will go directly to New Skills, who will prepare an anonymised summary of the feedback. 

They will also be holding an online focus group with people working in the cultural and creative industries in Berwick and Northumberland, to discuss your needs and what’s important to you. The focus group will take place on Tuesday 8th February 2022, and you can register your interest in attending by completing the online questionnaire. We’d be very grateful if you could spare the time to join us for what we’re sure will be a lively discussion. 

Thanks very much for your time and support and we look forward to hearing your feedback. 

Pam Campion 

(*Cultural and Creative industries include: Advertising & Marketing; Architecture; Arts; Crafts; Cultural Education; Design; Fashion; Digital; Film, TV & Radio; Heritage; Libraries & Archives; Literature & Publishing; Museums & Galleries; Performing Arts & Music; Photography; Visual Arts.)