Hartlepool is set to come alive with ideas, inspiration and opportunity thanks to a month-long programme of events to help creative businesses, freelancers and practitioners grow, connect and thrive.
Taking place throughout June, Hartlepool Creative Business Month is being organised by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Economic Growth Team in partnership with a wide range of creative and business support organisations.
It will be centred on The BIS in Whitby Street, the Council’s award‑winning creative industries business centre and a vibrant hub for innovation in the town.
With sessions tailored to artists, makers, designers, filmmakers and other creative practitioners, Hartlepool Creative Business Month offers practical skills training, valuable connections and new opportunities – all rooted in Hartlepool’s ambition to be a thriving centre for creativity and, particularly, screen production.
It reflects the growing importance of the screen industries sector in Hartlepool, with The BIS at the heart of a rapidly developing area that is home to the new Screen Industries Production Village for film and TV. Working in partnership with The Northern School of Art, the village will also see a significant expansion of The Northern Studios on Lynn Street.
Gemma Ptak, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Director of Housing, Growth and Communities, said: “Hartlepool Creative Business Month is a powerful celebration of the talent, ambition and ideas that already exist right here in our borough, and we aim to shine a spotlight on the wealth of advice, guidance and practical support available locally for creatives at every stage of their journey – from those developing their first idea to more established practitioners looking to scale up.
“June’s programme is all about giving creative people the tools, confidence and connections they need to turn great ideas into sustainable businesses.
“With The BIS at the centre of a rapidly growing creative and screen industries area, it is an opportunity for us to showcase Hartlepool’s commitment to investing in creativity as a driver of economic growth, opportunity and pride in our place.”
There will be a diverse and practical range of sessions and workshops, with topics including:
- Turning a brilliant idea into a viable business
- An introduction to Canva for creatives
- Using AI tools to boost productivity in your creative business
- Understanding Arts Council England and how to apply for funding
- Creative networking and collaboration sessions
- Turning a side hustle into sustainable extra income
- Mastering the art of valuing, costing and pricing your creativity
- One‑to‑one support for early‑career creatives with Tees Valley New Creatives
- Using digital tools to grow and support your business
- Turning business challenges into clear, actionable plans
Creative professionals, freelancers and anyone curious about turning their creativity into a business are encouraged to get involved and make June the month their ideas take the next step.
For more information they can visit www.investinhartlepool.co.uk/hartlepool-creative-business-month-june-2026, email bis@hartlepool.gov.uk or telephone (01429) 363150.