Arts Council England, North East has secured the multi-million pound European investment to build the region's reputation as a cultural centre.

Those to gain from the cash include writers at Newcastle's Live Theatre, new actors and professional artists.

The European funding is being seen as a huge boost the cultural sector in the North East.

Culture centre

Jane Robinson, director of external Relations at Arts Council England, said: "Culture and creativity play a key role in developing the region's economy.

"This initiative will have a huge impact on building skills and creating new jobs, both within and beyond the cultural sector. "

Tim Cantle-Jones, board member, One NorthEast, added: "This is a tremendous coup for the region as it is one of the largest allocations of European money for cultural developments anywhere in the UK to date.

"Those projects set to benefit demonstrate the real breadth of talent that is now building the reputation of the North East as a cultural centre."

New jobs

The diverse range of projects supported by the funding is diverse opportunities for arts professionals in the region, as well new job creation.

Isis Arts will provide new media training for self-employed and freelance arts professionals, as well as providing training for professional artists wanting to work in schools and education.

Live Theatre will begin a programme for writers at the start of the career, as well as creating an initiative with well-known actors' agencies to support actors at the start of their career.