Industry News

Bishop Auckland College and The Auckland Project (TAP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a strategic partnership that will strengthen skills development, create new employment opportunities, and enhance the town’s cultural and visitor economy.

The collaboration will see the college and TAP co-develop a series of training programmes and initiatives designed to benefit local people, businesses, and the wider community. These include the launch of a Heritage Skills Academy to preserve and promote traditional and contemporary heritage crafts, and the creation of an Artist’s Hub in Bishop Auckland Market Place, providing emerging artists with training, mentoring and a vibrant space to showcase their work.

The partnership will also see the two organisations share resources, develop joint marketing campaigns, and deliver programmes to support young volunteers and staff working in the visitor economy, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Shaun Hope, Principal at Bishop Auckland College, said: “This partnership represents a landmark moment for Bishop Auckland because of a strong and dynamic collaboration between the college and The Auckland Project. 

"This is much more than a formal agreement as it is a commitment to investing directly in our community’s future. 

"By co-creating initiatives like the Heritage Skills Academy and working together on exciting developments such as the Artist's Hub, among others, we are combining our high-quality training facilities with TAP’s incredible real-world environment. 

"This strategic alignment will significantly boost local employment opportunities and ensure our town's cultural and visitor economy continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Jane Ruffer, CEO at The Auckland Project, added: “The Auckland Project has always been about using culture, history and heritage to transform Bishop Auckland for the better. By joining forces with Bishop Auckland College, we are deepening our investment in people – providing training, skills and opportunities that will help our community flourish. Together, we can ensure that Bishop Auckland is not only a wonderful place to visit, but also an inspiring place to live, work and learn.”

The new Artist’s Hub, based at No. 43 Market Place, will offer courses in ceramics, photography and textiles in partnership with Bishop Auckland College. Funded through the Stronger Towns Fund, it will be a catalyst to provide opportunities for community artists to apply for grants to deliver meaningful projects going forward. Moreover, the first floor will house a unique bookstore and library with almost 30,000 donated and collected books, creating a useful resource for research in art and faith.

As a regeneration charity, The Auckland Project is revitalising Bishop Auckland as a major cultural destination, celebrating the town’s rich history – from the powerful Prince Bishops of Durham to its surprising ties to the Spanish Golden Age. Through heritage, art, and community engagement, the charity is creating opportunities for locals and visitors alike.