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Community Foundation North East supported The NewBridge Project’s BreakOut programme in 2025, helping young people explore careers in the arts through hands-on learning and professional guidance.
A grant of £2,000 from the North East Roots Fund supported the delivery of a full-day taster event for young people aged 16–21. The session featured a mix of workshops, talks, and film screenings, giving participants a broad introduction to opportunities within the cultural sector.
John Hollingsworth, Chief Philanthropy and Development Officer at Community Foundation North East, said:
“The North East Roots Fund shows the real strength of collective giving. By bringing together donations from people who have a connection to the North East – whether they’ve lived, worked or studied here – we’re able to support grassroots organisations and create meaningful opportunities for young people.
“Through this fund, donors are directly helping to open up employment pathways, ensuring that talent from all backgrounds can develop and thrive here in the North East.”
The programme also provided a platform for participants to showcase their work in a public exhibition, celebrating their creativity and achievements.
BreakOut is designed to build a supportive community for young people at the early stages of their creative journeys, offering professional insight and accessible entry points into the arts. Through partnerships with organisations including Newcastle College, participants gained practical, hands-on experience and valuable exposure to the sector.
The impact of the programme has been significant. All participants reported an increased understanding of careers in the arts and the opportunities available, and every attendee said they would consider pursuing a career in the sector following their involvement.
Rebecca Huggan, Director at The NewBridge Project, said:
“With the support of the North East Roots Fund, we delivered a series of practical workshops and talks introducing young people to careers in the arts. Working with professional artists, participants developed new creative skills and showcased their work in a public exhibition.
“BreakOut aims to reach young people who have been historically marginalised from creative opportunities, helping to diversify and strengthen the North East’s cultural sector.”
The North East Roots Fund is built on the idea of giving back to a place that has shaped you. If you have a connection to the region, you can support the next generation of talent and strengthen communities across the North East through the fund.
To find out more and get involved, visit the North East Roots website here or contact John Hollingsworth using the enquiry form below.
Photo credits: Matt Denham
Contact John Hollingsworth MBA
John is a deputy to the CEO and leads on the development of philanthropy through the Foundation and its engagement of new and existing donors.
0191 222 0945
jh@communityfoundation.org.uk