Clore Leadership announces full line-up for major Tees Valley cultural gathering
Booking opens for Annual Gathering, Thursday 6 March, Middlesbrough and booking also open for online Skills Day.
Clore Leadership, the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority has today announced the full line-up for Clore Leadership’s gathering of cultural and creative professionals in the Tees Valley region.
The event, Thursday 6 March 2025, 10am – 5pm, at Middlesbrough Town Hall, marks the culmination of three years of place-based professional development in the Tees Valley, which has brought together creative and cultural individuals and organisations to cultivate leadership within the Tees Valley.
The 2025 Annual Gathering promises to be an action-packed day of dynamic sessions to engage, connect and collaborate. It is a unique opportunity for cultural professionals in Tees Valley to find inspiration and share ideas with creative individuals, cultural organisations and stakeholders in the area.
From networking opportunities, quick fire sessions, tips and advice to talks and practical hands-on group learning, there will be a huge range of learning opportunities for leaders at every level. Across the day there will also be space to explore what leadership means; build confidence and collaborate with peers.
Produced by Clore Leadership – a dynamic and inclusive resource for leaders and aspiring leaders in the arts, culture and creative sectors – the Annual Gathering is not just designed for established leaders, but also for aspiring leaders, artists and freelancers working with cultural organisations.
We’re delighted to host our most vibrant and dynamic gathering of cultural leaders in Tees Valley to date. We’ve listened carefully to what people want from an event like this, and have a clear focus on practical takeaways that can be implemented right away. Not only will participants gain valuable tools and opportunities to advance professionally, but they will be collectively shaping the future of the Tees Valley cultural sector. We look forward to welcoming everyone in March
Hilary Carty, Executive Director, Clore Leadership
From our booming film and TV industry to fantastic freelancers working across a range of sectors, our region is increasingly known for its outstanding work by creative professionals. It’s vital we continue to grow this part of our economy by delivering essential leadership training and skills to support talented individuals, businesses and organisations, which this programme provides with our support.
Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor
2025 Annual Gathering Highlights include:
Meet the stakeholders:
Quick fire ‘PechaKucha’ style presentations from local funders, councils, cultural organisations and networks to discover current vision and strategies for the region, as well as opportunities for funding, collaboration and connection.
Confirmed speakers include Charlie Kemp, Head of Creative Place TVCA; Lisa Storey, Cultural Development and Programmes Manager, Redcar & Cleveland Council and Alison Gwynn, Chief Executive, North East Screen.
Breakout Sessions:
- In-conversations with innovative cultural leaders Gavin Barlow, CEO the Albany and Co-Director at Future Arts Centre and Phil Douglas, CEO Curious Arts
- Practical communication skills workshops
- Peer led provocations and conversations
- Personal reflection opportunities
An all-attendee workshop – One Small Thing:
Delegates will join coach, Amanda Smethurst, for an inspiring session that explores how to ignite change through the power of small actions. Through hands-on exercises and collaborative exploration, the workshop will reveal how small actions and contributions can help shape a vibrant cultural landscape across Tees Valley.
Attendees will leave equipped with practical tools to amplify influence and forge meaningful connections with peers and stakeholders.
Informal & friendly networking opportunities: A live ‘Marketplace’ will be running for those who want to bring printed materials, share information, find and swap expertise. Networking buddies will be operating to allow delegates to meaningfully connect.
Annual Gathering Cost: The cost for the Annual Gathering is on a pay what you decide basis, we recommend a minimum rate of £8 +VAT.
