A mi££ion more ways to get arty in Sunderland
POPULAR PROJECT TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION IN THE ARTS EXTENDED BY A FURTHER THREE YEARS
People in Sunderland are set to be given more chances to get arty after a popular project was rolled out to five more areas.
The Cultural Spring, which aims to increase participation in the arts in Sunderland, has been extended by a further three years.
Arts Council England have pumped another £1million into the project, which has been working on Wearside and South Tyneside since 2014.
It had been due to finish in December.
The original programme had £2million of funding, fousing on five Sunderland and five South Tyneside wards.
Over the next three years, t will work in five new wards n each borough – including Hendon, Millfield, Pallion, Sandhill and St Anne’s in Sunderland.
Its three founding partners are the University of Sunderland, the Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust and the Customs House, in South Shields.
Cultural Spring director Emma Horsman said: “We’re obviously delighted to be continuing our work for a further three years – and are already looking forward to working in our new wards.
“Consultation sessions in the 10 wards have already taken place and more are in the pipeline.
“What we’ll also be doing over the next three years is extending our reach through our cultural calendar commissions and our Your Art project.
“Your Art helps grassroot groups to engage new and existing members using arts and culture.”
Graeme Thompson, chair of the Cultural Spring and pro vice chancellor at the University of Sunderland, said: “As lead partner, the university is a big advocate of The Cultural Spring and we’re thrilled it will be raising aspirations and engagement within the two boroughs for another three years – at least.”
Paul Callaghan, founder of the MAC Trust, added: “The Cultural Spring has