Newcastle Creates has decided to close the co-operative society it currently operates under, having agreed that the governance structure is not fit for purpose.

The city’s culture compact was established as a cooperative society after much consideration during a long consultation process. This model was chosen because Newcastle Creates intended to engage more democratically with members. However, this process proved challenging and time-consuming, particularly concerning following the complex rules that come with being a cooperative society.

At the organisation’s recent AGM, an extraordinary resolution was passed to close the cooperative society. The vote was held after Sam Brimer, former Project Manager and Leila d’Aronville, Board Observer shared the journey of Newcastle Creates, Newcastle’s first culture compact. This included the conception of the compact, the challenges the organisation faced, what they learned, and their uncertain future. Download and watch the recording of this presentation.

Despite the closure of the cooperative, it is intended that the culture compact will live on. Newcastle Creates is in discussions with colleagues at Newcastle City Council about progressing this, and how to ensure the cultural strategy is utilised across the city. The cultural strategy is currently being used as assessment criteria for the Cultural Investment Fund, which sits with Tyne and Wear Community Foundation, and this is expected to continue.

Newcastle Creates would like to thank everyone who has been involved in the journey so far, and hopes to give an update about its future in the coming months.