Talent development agency Generator will bring the North East’s creative industries and associated supply chains together in a collaborative network of freelancers, SMEs, cultural venues and corporations to support jobs, growth and development throughout the region.
Launched at Newcastle’s Live Theatre by Generator’s new CEO Mick Ross, Generator Union’s first networking event will take place on September 14, provisionally at Sunderland’s Fire Station development.
Generator Union is born out of the former Digital Union strand, with a renewed focus on the arts, culture and creative sectors. Whereas Digital Union’s focus was on tech and digital, the new network will focus its efforts on delivering Generator’s new vision, which realigns the agency’s output back to its roots as a driving force behind the creative industries in the region.
Through partnerships with some of the region’s leading businesses, creative trailblazers and cultural venues, the network will offer events, seminars, lectures and talks, networking opportunities and chances to promote jobs, news and offers to Generator’s online and offline communities.
The network aims foster collaboration and innovation amongst members, encouraging cutting-edge tech businesses to collaborate with the region’s theatres to create new work or connecting the region’s burgeoning screen industry with emerging musicians to deliver unique experiences for audiences.
Membership of Generator Union starts with a free tier for freelancers, start ups and students, giving them access to the entire network, the region’s leading cultural and creative figures and all the events and opportunities available. SMEs and larger enterprises can then choose from a range of pricing options in a ‘pay-what-you-feel’ model, helping to keep access to the network free for those starting out or flying solo. High-level partnership and ‘friends’ packages are also offered to organisations who align with Generator’s mission, with paid members and partners enjoying premium benefits like promotion in the network’s monthly newsletters, a place in the online members directory and opportunities to speak at or host events for the membership.
The creation of the network marks a key milestone in Generator’s transformation over recent months as it adopts a new vision and mission under its new leadership team. With a focus on retaining talent and creating much needed skilled employment in the arts, culture and creative sectors in the North East, it is hoped the opportunities generated by Generator Union will encourage more of the region’s top talent to remain in the area, alongside a buoyant and successful supply chain to support creative work.
Generator’s launch partners include Newcastle College and Gateshead College, cloud accountancy firm Blu Sky, legal firm Mincoffs Solicitors, Middlesborough Council and Signpost Productions, with more partners set to join in the coming weeks.
