ARTS delegates from across the globe arrive in the region today as part of a special congress.
More than 150 delegates will arrive from the International Council of Organisations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art (CIOFF).
Organisers of Billingham International Folklore Festival, the UK's representative on the global body, are hosting the event, with more than 50 countries represented.
CIOFF was founded in 1970 and aims to promote cultural diversity and traditional and folk culture.
The congress meets from today until Wednesday, October 20, at the Swallow Hotel, in Stockton.
During that time delegates will visit various attractions across Stockton and the Tees Valley.
Funding from Stockton Borough Council, One NorthEast, Arts Council North-East and the Tees Valley Partnership has made it possible for the event to be held on Teesside.
Alistair Arkley, chairman of Tees Valley Partnership, said: "This is a tremendous opportunity to show people from across the world what our area has to offer, not just in terms of its vibrant artistic culture, but as somewhere that can offer a tremendous range of attractions and facilities.
"In many respects, the Billingham Folklore Festival pioneered the way in opening our area to international visitors."
Billingham last hosted the congress in 1974. Next year's congress will be held in South Africa.
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