Three days after launching the Creative Call from County Durham, Into the Light took our message into to one of the North East's great celebrations of solidarity, community and working-class culture. It was a fantastic day joining our colleagues and friends at the Redhills Village - the cultural heart of the Durham Miner’s Gala.

Into the Light hosted an event for over 100 creative professionals at Durham Town Hall - joined by singer/songwriter Joe McElderry for the launch of the Creative Call from County Durham.

Women+ led movement, Strike Collective, has been deeply embedded in the Into the Light programme, across multiple strands - PLACE Labs, Cultivate Commissions, Durham Creative Community Fellows (DCCF), and more. This case study explores the amazing work they’re leading and tells the story of how a cultural movement can build.

Image credit: Zara Worth/Ushaw

For International Women’s Day, our Director Julia reflects on the women whose stories shape our communities - from her own Aunty Nancy, who managed the Woolworths store in Peterlee, to the artists and projects across County Durham which are bringing untold stories into the spotlight.

The inaugural Spotlight event took place on 20 January at Durham University - bringing together the creative community from across County Durham, to shape the future of culture in our county.

In her latest blog, our Director Julia shines a light on the opportunities the return of Erasmus+ will create for people and culture in the North East.

As the year comes to an end, we’re marking the amazing progress that’s been made and celebrating what we’re achieved together.