SUNDERLAND UNVEILS A MAJOR, SUMMER ART TRAIL…

A celebration of all things creative is set to take place on Wearside this summer as Sunderland launches its second, annual, free Arts and Culture Trail.

The work of around 60 local artists will be on display at 40 locations across the city, from 6 to 21 July to form the self-guided trail.

And The Right Worshipful, the Mayor of the City of Sunderland, Cllr Allison Chisnall will officially open the trail at a special event on Friday 5 July.

The Sunderland Arts and Culture Trail first took place last year at eight venues centred around the city’s university.

It and was so successful that this year it has been embraced by venues throughout the city – from Sunderland Bowl to furniture shop, Harrison and Brown.

And every artistic medium, from painting and sculpture to performance art, will be represented at pop-up displays and exhibitions.                                                

There will also be a Community Art Exhibition at the city’s Winter Gardens, made up of 30 pieces created by local painters, sculptors and photographers aged from just three-years-old to 80.

The Sunderland Arts and Culture Trail has been created and curated by fine artists Dale Hardy and Su Devine, who said: “Preparing this year’s Art Trail has been an incredible journey for me and Dale.

“For us, it’s not just about showcasing all of the artists’ work; it’s about connecting with the community, sharing stories, and inspiring others through art.

“We are looking forward to seeing how this Urban City Art Exhibition resonates with others and becomes part of a larger conversation.”

The Trail is also partly funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, following a successful application made by Sunderland BID, which led to an award of £202,253.

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID said: “The trail was a huge success last year and we are delighted to be supporting it once again.

“I want to extend our thanks to all the artists who have contributed their remarkable works to this trail, which is an invitation to see the city of Sunderland in a new light and connect with its vibrant artistic community.

“It is designed to be easily walkable, making it a perfect way to enjoy the city’s outdoor spaces, fresh air and independent businesses and venues.

More information – and a downloadable trail map – is available at https://sunderlandartstrail.co.uk/