Orbis Community is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company with a board of advisors, which is based in multiple sites in Gateshead. The Orbis Community Board of Directors are Jonpaul Kirvan, Paul Stone and Christopher Yeats (Vane Gallery)(Ampersand Inventions).

Orbis Community champions collaboration between creatives and communities. To achieve this, Orbis Community provides an environment for:

  • Affordable Workspace:

    Our business provides affordable and flexible workspace solutions to help entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive without the burden of high overhead costs.

  • Fostering Communication:

    We prioritise creating an open and inclusive environment where communication flows freely, fostering creativity, and innovation among our community members.

  • Networking and Collaboration:

    Our space is designed to encourage networking and collaboration among like-minded individuals, providing ample opportunities for partnerships and synergies to develop.

  • Mentoring:

    We offer a range of mentoring programmes and resources to support the growth and development of our members, connecting them with experienced professionals in their respective fields.

  • A Supportive Environment:

    Our community is built on the foundation of support, where members can find the encouragement and the resources needed to overcome challenges and achieve success.

  • Business Development:

    We provide resources and guidance for business development, including access to workshops, seminars, and experts to help our members grow their ventures.

  • Health and Wellbeing:

    We offer innovative wellness programmes, activities, and workshop/event spaces to promote a healthy environment for our members and businesses.

  • Placemaking:

    We are committed to creating a vibrant and dynamic space that reflects the diverse interests and personalities of our community, making it an inspiring place to work and connect.

At Orbis Community, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and dynamic space that reflects the diverse interests and personalities of our community. Through collaborations with local, national, and international artists, cultural projects, and third sector organisations, we’ve created a hub that supports innovation, community engagement, and personal growth. Whether it’s through gallery exhibitions, providing studio space for emerging artists, or hosting workshops and events, Orbis Community is a place where ideas come to life and collaborations thrive. We are proud to play a part in nurturing the creative and entrepreneurial spirit, empowering individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. By partnering with educational institutions, we also provide students and graduates with valuable opportunities to gain practical experience, develop their skills, and prepare to contribute meaningfully to the community.

Orbis Community offers affordable and flexible workspace solutions designed to help entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive without the burden of high overhead costs. Our spaces foster creativity and support business growth by creating a collaborative environment where innovation can flourish. By hosting a diverse range of organisations, we contribute to a thriving local economy while encouraging individuals to connect, learn, and grow together. This dynamic environment has allowed us to build a vibrant community that spans different industries, driving collaboration and empowering businesses to reach their full potential.

Orbis Community is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of small businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives, and community-driven projects. We offer valuable resources and guidance for business development, including access to workshops, seminars, and expert advice to help our members grow their ventures. Our diverse range of flexible and affordable workspace solutions creates a nurturing environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation. We have hosted a wide variety of organisations, from schools and universities to charities, cultural projects, and local businesses. We actively strengthen the local economy by providing networking and collaboration opportunities, helping to build a sustainable and vibrant community.

At Orbis Community, we prioritise fostering open and inclusive communication, creating an environment where ideas flow freely, and innovation thrives among our members. Our flexible and affordable creative spaces have been utilised by a diverse range of organisations, including local schools, universities, charities, small businesses, and cultural projects. We encourage networking, creativity, and business development, with a special focus on supporting emerging talent and local enterprises. By hosting numerous events, pop-up markets, workshops, and exhibitions, we contribute to a thriving local economy, attracting both residents and visitors to our vibrant space. In partnership with local authorities and public health teams, we ensure our spaces remain safe, inclusive, and welcoming, contributing to a more vibrant and thriving environment in Gateshead.

At Orbis Community, we create a space designed to foster networking and collaboration among like-minded individuals, providing ample opportunities for partnerships and synergies to develop. Our unique, open space has been utilised by numerous educational institutions, including Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Gateshead College, Newcastle University, Northumbria University and the University of Sunderland. These institutions have used our creative spaces for workshops, events, and exhibitions, contributing to the development of future professionals and nurturing a culture of creativity. Committed to supporting charities and social enterprises, we create spaces that empower organisations to make a positive impact and strengthen community ties. By facilitating collaborations between cultural organisations, public services, and local businesses, Orbis Community plays a key role in creating a dynamic environment that is vital for the local community. Our partnerships with local authorities and public health teams further ensure the safety and inclusivity of the areas we serve.

 

Championing Collaboration Between Creativity and Communities 

"Orbis Community: Empowering creativity, fostering collaboration, and supporting a vibrant, safe local economy in Gateshead."

Orbis Community plays a vital role in supporting the growth and success of small businesses, entrepreneurs, creatives, and community-driven projects. Through our diverse range of flexible and affordable workspace solutions, we provide a nurturing environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Through our work with local, national and international artists, cultural projects, and charities, we have created a vibrant hub that supports innovation, community engagement, and personal growth. Whether hosting gallery exhibitions, providing studio space for emerging artists, or facilitating workshops and events, Orbis Community is a place where ideas come to life and collaborations flourish. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the creative and entrepreneurial spirit, and we look forward to continuing to empower individuals and organisations to reach their full potential. 

Below is a list of everyone who have benefited from Orbis Community project spaces and workshops over the last year:

Schools:

Cardinal Hume Catholic School
Durham School
Hebburn Comprehensive
Heworth Grange Academy
Jarrow School
Lord Lawson Academy
Nettlesworth Primary School
North Gosforth Academy
Sandhill View Academy
St Anthony’s Girls’ Catholic Academy
XP Gateshead

Colleges:

Gateshead College
Newcastle College
Sunderland College
The Northern School of Art - Hartlepool Campus
The Northern School of Art - Middlesbrough Campus

Universities:

 Durham University - Department of History
Newcastle University - Fine Art BA
Newcastle University - Fine Art MA
Newcastle University - Museum Galleries and Heritage Studies MA
Northumbria University - Creative Cultural Industries Management MA
Northumbria University - Fashion and Marketing BA
Northumbria University - Fashion Design (Sustainable and ethical) MA
Northumbria University - Fine Art BA
Northumbria University - Fine Art MA
Northumbria University - Newcastle Business School
Northumbria University - School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries
The University of Edinburgh - Fine Art BA
The University of Sunderland - Fashion Design and Promotion BA
The University of Sunderland - Film and Media BA
The University of Sunderland – Fine Art BA
University of York - Department of Philosophy
York St John University

Council:

Gateshead Council - Adopt North East
Gateshead Council - Art Diamonds
Gateshead Council - Bewick Cafe
Gateshead Council - Children’s Services
Gateshead Council - Economy, Innovation and Growth
Gateshead Council - Flourish Gateshead
Gateshead Council - Freeland’s Foundation joint grant proposal - Local Schools
Gateshead Council - Gateshead Arts Team
Gateshead Council - Gateshead Council Volunteer Open Day
Gateshead Council - Gateshead Economic Policy and Delivery
Gateshead Council - Jewish Woman’s Aid - Gateshead Council, Police, DA Professionals, Health Visitors, Social Workers and Housing Managers and NHS Positive Care
Gateshead Council - Nick Minto, Sergeant Northumbria Police management meeting
Gateshead Council - Nick Minto, Sergeant Northumbria Police staff training
Gateshead Council - Northumbria Police Awards
Gateshead Council - Northumbria Police Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing
Gateshead Council - Park That Bike
Gateshead Council - Pride in Gateshead
Gateshead Council - Public Health Team - HDRC Support
Gateshead Council - Public Health Team - Substance Misuse
Gateshead Council - Purple Flag Presentation
Gateshead Council - Purple Flag Assessment walkaround Town Centre
Gateshead Council - Q&A with Gateshead Town Centre Manager and Northumbria Police
Gateshead Council - Scott Youngman, Sergeant Northumbria Police - Neighbourhood Policing
Gateshead Council - Shaping the Future of Gateshead The UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Gateshead Council - The Big Help Out
Gateshead Council - Town Centre Vulnerability Training
Gateshead Council - Tyne and Wear Preservation trust
Gateshead Council - Tyne Derwent Way
Gateshead Council - Vulnerability Training for Night Time Economy Staff
Newcastle City Council - Economic Development Team

 Orbis Community:

 Vane Gallery - 16 Gallery Exhibitions 10 Gallery artists talks
35+ Placements providing support for universities, colleges, and local schools
25+ Pop Up Creative Markets and Events
Slow Hand Creative Studio - 40+ Workshops, Events and Lectures
Ampersand Inventions - 25+ Workshops, Events and Lectures
Atlas North East Studio Members 45+ Workshop/Classes and events
Maker Space 45+ Welcome Wednesday Events and Pop-Ups 

Charities, CIC, SMEs, Not for Profit, Heritage/Cultural Projects/Events, Museums etc who have used the project spaces:

586 Records
Age UK Head of Partnerships and Volunteering
Amber Collective
Arts Council Creative People and Places Fund
Atlas North East
BIPC North East - Business & IP Support in the North East
Clifford Chance Law Firm Exhibition
Chilli Studios
Creative Fuse
DesignLab Nation
Festival of Thrift 2024
For the Love of the North
IMPACT+
Late Shows
Maker Space
North East Seaside Stitchers
Pride workshops
Recovery Connections which is part of Gateshead Recovery Partnership
Selling exhibition with Latrine’s House of Art – Pride in Gateshead
Slow Hand Creative Studio
Snow Peak Way 2024
Sofar Sounds Secret Gig
St Oswald’s
Studio provision for 8+ recent graduates from Northumbria and Newcastle Universities for Middlesbrough Art Week - Auxiliary New Graduate Award.
Sunderland Software City
The Charlie and Carter Foundation
The Shipley Art Gallery
The Studio Space 6
The Wardrobe - a safe space for trans, non-binary and genderqueer
TICE Textiles Programme
Tyne and Wear Centre Against Unemployment Charity
V&A Museum