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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.

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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.

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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.

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Exhibition in yellow tint

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.

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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

Find out more
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North East Artists’ Fund

The North East Artists’ Fund is a project by Art Network North East which offers micro-bursaries to visual arts practitioners.

The North East Artists’ Fund is an Art Network North East initiative which brings together visual arts organisations and local authorities to support visual arts practitioners with micro-bursaries of up to £500. The bursaries are simple to apply for and are based around outcomes, not outputs — which means no lengthy reports and no requirement to make anything.

Find out more and apply here.

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