The Creative Fuse Tees Valley initiative has launched a new internship scheme to drive growth in the region’s creative, cultural, heritage and digital sectors, while helping Teesside University graduates get a foot in the creative door.
Tees Valley creative SMEs, including micro businesses and freelancers, can now apply to have a masters student join their team for a four-week period, fully funded through Teesside University.
Masters students across several disciplines are eligible to apply including those from Teesside University Business School, School of Computing, Engineering, Digital and Technology and MIMA.
Interns will work towards a set brief that meets the organisation’s needs. Projects can include support in areas such as market research, bid-writing assistance, and other bespoke activities.
All host businesses will receive logistical support from the Creative Fuse Tees Valley team while interns will have access to MIMA School of Art and Design academic expertise, supporting their role and ensuring their work is making an active contribution to the organisation.
MIMA has a commitment to developing and supporting young professionals and has worked with many students on internships from a wide range of subject areas over the years including history, geography, humanities, biology, fine art, journalism, and graphics.
Wendy Parvin, business development manager for Creative Fuse Tees Valley said: “The internships have been designed for maximum impact on local business growth, including freelancers as well as micro-, small and medium enterprises.
“We understand that independent business owners and creative entrepreneurs don’t often have the time or funds available to hire an intern, particularly new ventures or those trying to get back on their feet after Covid-19.
“However, we take the load off host businesses allowing them to utilise the fully funded extra resource and focus solely on their growth project, ultimately adding value to the ecosystem across local creative sectors.”
* Creative Fuse Tees Valley is part of the wider Creative Fuse North East project, which is a unique partnership between the North East’s five universities including Teesside, Newcastle, Durham, Northumbria and Sunderland.
Funded by the AHRC and ERDF, the initiative works in conjunction with DigitalCity to support SMEs and incorporated non-profits in the Tees Valley’s creative, cultural, heritage and digital sectors through bespoke programmes and consultancy projects.