County Durham’s flagship cultural programme, Into the Light, has released its first-year results - revealing major economic and social impact across the region.

In its opening year, the three-year programme has:

Supported almost 600 creative practitioners and freelancers, providing vital commissions and career development opportunities.

Reached over 7,000 active participants directly through workshops, performances, and creative activity.

Welcomed over 14,000 live audience members to events across the county.

Achieved a digital reach of more than 34,000, far exceeding expectations and showcasing Durham’s cultural leadership nationally.

These achievements firmly establish Into the Light as a cultural incubator, investing in local talent and proving that culture can be a driver of jobs, skills, and economic growth as well as community wellbeing.

Programme director, Julia Handelman-Smith, said on the success of Into the Light: “These numbers make clear how Into the Light is shining a light on County Durham’s unique and thriving cultural identity. We are supporting creatives and heritage professionals across our county, with our programme bringing celebration and opportunity to residents, creatives and visitors alike.”

Jane Tarr, Director North East, Arts Council England, said: “It’s fantastic to see that Into the Light has supported so many artists and engaged so many participants and audiences in its first year – it is a great achievement.

“We know how important it is for everyone to be able to create and participate in arts and culture, wherever they live and whatever their background, and so I’m delighted that the investment from our Place Partnership Fund has enabled just this, as well as helping to improve people’s wellbeing and generate economic opportunities across County Durham. I can’t wait to see what is in store in the second year!”

Alongside the headline numbers, the programme is powered by people. Year One highlights include ‘Nana’s House’, a striking exhibition by local visual artist Ruth Flowers, delivered with Peterlee-based Into the Light creative delivery partner No More Nowt.

Flowers said: “As a creative working in County Durham, I firmly believe in the power of culture to strengthen communities, break down career barriers and bring economic opportunities.

“Programmes like Into the Light have been vital in bringing commissions and opportunities for artists and creatives like me, helping put our county on the cultural map and boost pride in our region.”

Ensemble ‘84, the award-winning theatre company based in Horden, debuted two productions this year following its 6-month, paid training programme for people across County Durham to train as professional actors, thanks to the Into the Light programme. ‘Pits, People and Players’, a new production marking Horden’s 125th anniversary, drew on research, testimony and lived experience from local people, exploring the area’s rich and varied history.

The production company has also staged Lee Hall’s (Billy Elliot, Rocketman) adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s 1939 play, ‘Mother Courage and Her Children.’ The play garnered 4-star reviews from The Guardian, The Times and The Stage, with its all-County Durham cast performing alongside South Africa’s Isango Ensemble.

Now entering its second year, Into the Light is continuing to expand its reach, with a new wave of creative commissions, community projects, and partnerships designed to empower communities, grow the creative workforce and inspire young people to develop creative skills. Working with leading researcher Alison Whelan at Durham University, the programme is developing recommendations for sustainable approaches to culture that fosters place making and regeneration.

Funded by Durham County Council, the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, the programme continues to demonstrate how culture is central to County Durham’s future as a thriving place to live, work, and visit.