Supporting Rock Pools in Hartlepool

Led by The Northern School of Art, and supported by a consortium including Thirteen, this exciting project will bring creative and cultural experiences to every part of the town. It’s part of a wider £42 million investment from Arts Council England to support grassroots-led culture in areas where involvement in the arts is below the national average.

Culture shaped by communities

Each of Hartlepool’s wards will be treated as its own ‘rock pool’ a unique place shaped by the people who live there. Local residents will co-design the programme, helping to create cultural activities that reflect their stories, interests and ambitions.

By working together, we’ll amplify local voices, build stronger connections between communities, and support long-term cultural change in the town.

A shared commitment to Hartlepool

The project will run from 2026 to 2029, with funding from Arts Council England and match funding from partners including:

• The Northern School of Art
• Thirteen
• Hartlepool Borough Council
• Tees Valley Combined Authority
• PFC Trust
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF)

We’re especially proud to support this work alongside The Northern School of Art, for whom we manage student accommodation. 

Rock Pools is part of the Creative People and Places (CPP) programme – a national initiative that puts local people at the heart of arts and culture. CPPs bring together community groups, grassroots organisations and cultural partners to shape the kind of creative experiences people want, where they live.

A year-long application process saw The Northern School of Art work closely with community and statutory partners to understand what Hartlepool residents want from local culture – and how we can deliver it together.