Selfies, stories and Sunderland: public call-out for major new artwork
Artists behind Timepiece call for photos and memories ahead of Culture House opening
Sunderland residents are being invited to help shape a major new digital artwork set to take centre stage at the city’s new cultural hub.
Timepiece, an ambitious audio-visual installation, is being created for Culture House Sunderland by a North East-led creative team including Ross Millard of The Futureheads, alongside video artist Jeremy Bradfield and creative technologist Ben Lawrence.
The large-scale work will occupy the building’s atrium, appearing on the hour, every hour, for a full year. Designed to function as both a clock and a living artwork, Timepiece will combine archive images, film, audio, field recordings and newly composed music to create an evolving portrait of Sunderland.
At its heart, the project aims to celebrate the city’s past, present and future - and the public are being encouraged to play a direct role. The artists are calling for submissions of personal images, from family photos and selfies to snapshots of everyday life across the city.
They are particularly interested in images taken at well-known landmarks, moments of celebration such as Christmas or Eid, people in work uniforms, and scenes that capture family life in Sunderland, whether from decades ago or more recent years.
The installation is designed to change over time, incorporating new material and offering visitors a different experience each time they encounter it - a series of visual “moments” marking the passing of each hour.
Peter McIntyre, executive director of economy and place at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce these three fantastic artists, all of whom have a connection to the North East, who will come together to bring this installation to Culture House Sunderland.
“The building’s atrium will be a spectacular, welcoming space for residents and visitors and this will add to their experience.
“As well as being a lovely place for people to meet and take part in activities, Culture House Sunderland will bring exciting, cutting edge showcases to the city.”
Set to open in late spring 2026 - date still to be confirmed - Culture House Sunderland is being developed as a major new cultural destination, featuring immersive digital spaces, a green screen studio, podcasting facilities and a new city library. The venue will also host exhibitions, performances, workshops and events for all ages.
Timepiece is commissioned as part of Digital Spaces, supported by The Space in association with Arts Council England, and organisers hope the final piece will reflect the richness and diversity of life in Sunderland, shaped, in part, by the people who call it home.
Anyone wishing to upload a submission can do so here.