Cinemas, art venues and festivals are being encouraged to join a new network bringing specialised, British and archive film to a wider audience.

Film Hub North (FHN) will be one of nine hubs across the UK making up the British Film Institute’s Film Audience Network, covering an area that includes Yorkshire, Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.

Led by the National Media Museum and Showroom Workstation, FHN is looking for members to establish a steering group for the region.

The idea is for the group to work together on activities enhancing opportunities to learn more about film.

Director of the National Media Museum, Jo Quinton-Tulloch, said: “After an intensive planning process we are delighted to be calling for Film Hub North members and proposals for audience development initiatives.

“We have a wealth of talent in our Hub region. We are looking forward to working with regional leaders in film exhibition and uncovering the hidden gems of activity that are less well known to us.”

Showroom Workstation is a cultural centre in Sheffield, with one of Europe’s largest independent cinemas. It screens films from around the world, hosts film festivals and is a hothouse for the creative and digital industries sector, housing more than 60 companies.

Ian Wild, chief executive of Showroom Workstation, said: “The more we can encourage British-made, specialised and archive film distribution and viewing, the better for the future of the British film industry and film culture across the whole of the north.

“We see this (FHN) as a massive opportunity to showcase the existing strengths of the region which include documentary, film for young people, animation and screen heritage as well as helping to support the development of smaller and new initiatives to get more film to more people more often.”

FHN will provide project investment as well as bursaries for people to access conferences, screenings and networking events.

The Hub is calling for applications from people who can contribute their skills and experience. For more information, visit showroomworkstation.org.uk.