North East creatives call for a ‘Festive Rebellion’ this Small Business Saturday
Campaign urges shoppers to ditch mass-produced gifts and back local artists
A North East-wide movement encouraging people to swap mass-produced presents for handmade, locally crafted gifts is gathering momentum ahead of Small Business Saturday tomorrow (6 December).
The “Festive Rebellion”, launched by North East Cultural Freelancers (NECF), aims to rally support for artists, makers and creative independents at a crucial time for the sector.
With many freelancers still feeling the strain of the cost-of-living crisis, NECF is urging shoppers to make choices that directly sustain the region’s creative talent. “Shopping small is rebellious,” the organisation says. “It’s choosing people over corporations. Craft over convenience. Creative courage over mass-produced sameness.”
The campaign shines a spotlight on the North East’s diverse creative community -from ceramicists and illustrators to jewellers, printmakers, photographers and independent studios - championing “local art over global giants”.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has thrown her support behind the initiative.
“Our region’s creative freelancers and small cultural businesses are the beating heart of the North East,” she said.
“They bring vibrancy to our communities, create good jobs, and help make this a place we’re proud to call home. Supporting local artists and makers is about investing in talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring creativity continues to flourish here.”
Central to the campaign is the Festive Rebellion Gift Guide, curated through NECF’s 6,000-strong online network, which highlights makers from across the region.
Throughout December, NECF will also share artist spotlights and maker features, encouraging creatives to tag @necfreelancers so their work can be amplified.
Shoppers can join the movement by buying from local markets, open studios and independents, promoting North East makers on social media, and sharing campaign content using #FestiveRebellion.
“When you buy from a North East creative, you’re keeping skills alive, investing in local culture, and strengthening the independent spirit that defines our region,” NECF says.
“The Festive Rebellion is about choosing creativity over convenience.”