More creative support available for Sunderland venues
An initiative aimed at boosting creative capacity in community venues across Sunderland is entering a new chapter - and looking for fresh participants.
The Cultural Spring’s A Space to Create project is now in its third phase and inviting up to four new venues to join. The scheme supports venues in becoming more sustainable by helping them programme and deliver arts-based activities.
Launched two years ago, the project has already helped 10 venues run taster sessions and build skills in marketing, fundraising, and volunteer training.
Phase 2 focused on long-term capacity building, while the current phase continues this development with tailored support and up to £3,000 in funding per venue.
Emma Biggins, community engagement co-ordinator said they had been delighted with the success of the project so far.
“A Space to Create has had a genuine impact on venues, some of which have seen increased footfall, improved engagement with centre users, an increased sense of pride in their area and more volunteers signing up to help out.
“Phase 1 involved activities like dance groups, exhibitions, performances, developing fundraising and marketing skills and creative workshops. Phase 2 involved using the expertise within The Cultural Spring to develop learning from Phase 1. So, we’ve been talking to venues about areas such as working with artists, project delivery, marketing and communications and training volunteers.
“Our Phase 3 venues will each receive up to £3,000 of funding each as well as the support of The Cultural Spring team. We have a wide range of experience on our team, and we can help venues develop their approaches to creative programming, marketing and PR, fundraising, data monitoring and collection and project management.”
Mental health charity Sunderland Headlight was among the venues supported in Phase 2.
Deputy manager Beth Miller praised the programme, saying it helped their service users feel a sense of belonging and offered them valuable new experiences.
“The Cultural Spring team are experts when it comes to art and cultural activities and every member of The Cultural Spring team is welcoming and enthusiastic about encouraging more participants to engage in arts and culture.
“Service users participating in the workshops have told us that being in a group with others has supported them to feel like they belong. Participants have commented that they have enjoyed taking part in the activities, and that the sessions have given them something to look forward to.”
The Cultural Spring is funded by Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme and works to increase the number of people participating in arts and culture in Sunderland.
Venues interested in taking part in Phase 3 can contact Emma Biggins at emma.biggins@theculturalspring.org.uk.