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Contemporary Visual Arts Network

Contemporary Visual Arts Network (CVAN) works in partnership with regional networks to campaign and advocate for the visual arts sector at a national level. Baltic works with both CVAN England and the regional office, Art Network North East, which it also hosts.

Person sat on the floor drawing

CVAN works in partnership with regional networks to campaign and advocate for the visual arts sector at a national level. 

It creates programmes of support for artists and art workers and develops organisational support that promotes learning and knowledge. By campaigning for the sector to be heard, valued and recognised, it aims to ensure that the visual arts can thrive now and in the future.

Partnerships and deep roots within these regions are crucial to the success of CVAN’s national impact and the authoritative position of the network within the sector.

Through its support and advocacy work, CVAN brings together artists, independent creative and technical professionals, higher education institutions, academics, students, National Portfolio Organisations (NPOs) and organisations (including studio providers) with investment models that sit outside of Arts Council England’s NPO funding stream.

CVAN's Chair is Sarah Munro, Director of Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art based in Gateshead. Each of the nine regions has a Chair who is affiliated with a National Portfolio Organisation.

People catching up and laughing
Adults painting in a cafe
Exhibition in yellow tint
Patterned fabric sewn together in diamonds

Art Network North East

Art Network North East is an advocacy and development organisation for the visual arts. It works with individuals and organisations across the region to support existing activity, effect change where it’s needed, and raise the profile of the North East nationally. On the Art Network North East website, you’ll find what’s on listings for the region alongside directories of artists and organisations, opportunities, new writing and more. 

Find out more

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As a registered charity, donations to Baltic are crucial as rising costs threaten our ability to

  • Keep our exhibitions free entry and accessible to everyone
  • Preserve support and opportunities for our communities to thrive
  • Maintain our historical and iconic building
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