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Annual Review 2025-26
Bringing together some of Wearside’s most cherished cultural venues, activities, we work across the city with communities and local partners to ensure the power of art, culture and creativity is harnessed for the benefit of Sunderland, its residents and visitors.
Sunderland Culture was founded by the three main funders of arts provision in the city – Sunderland City Council, University of Sunderland and Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust – into a single, independent, and resilient delivery model. We are a not for profit, limited company and registered Charity in England and Wales, funded by Arts Council England through the National Portfolio, and with support from public funding schemes and charitable trusts and foundations.
Chair’s welcome
It is a privilege to write my first introduction as Chair of Sunderland Culture at such an important and exciting moment for the organisation and for the city.
Over the past year, Sunderland Culture has continued to demonstrate the vital role culture can play in improving lives, strengthening communities and building pride in place. Across our venues and programme, we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors and engaged thousands of participants through ambitious exhibitions, performances, learning activity and community programmes that place culture at the heart of Sunderland’s future.
Since joining the organisation, I have been struck by the energy, resilience and commitment of everyone involved in Sunderland Culture. I would particularly like to thank our founding partners — Sunderland City Council, the University of Sunderland and MAC Trust — for the warm welcome they have extended to me and for their continued commitment to driving ambitious change across the city through culture.
Sunderland is a city with a strong sense of identity, creativity and possibility. As we look ahead, I am confident Sunderland Culture will continue to play an important role in shaping that future — bringing people together, championing talent and ensuring culture remains central to the life of the city.
Tom Billington,
Independent Chair
Farewell from our former chair of the board
It has been a privilege to serve the city in which I grew up, contributing to a cultural journey that continues to evolve and inspire.
Throughout these past five years, I have witnessed remarkable change and progress, driven by the collective efforts of dedicated partners across the city, not least our founding partners Sunderland City Council, University of Sunderland and Sunderland MAC Trust. Together, we have strengthened Sunderland’s cultural identity, fostering creativity and civic pride through ambitious programmes and collaborations.
I extend my sincere thanks to all board members, past and present, for their commitment, expertise, and unwavering support. My gratitude also goes to Arts Council England, and to colleagues including Rebecca Ball, Nick Malyan, and the exceptional team at Sunderland Culture, whose dedication has made this work both impactful and rewarding.
Finally, I wish Tom Billington and the entire organisation every success in the years ahead. Sunderland’s cultural future is bright, and I am proud to have played a part in its continuing story.
Jane Earl,
Former Independent Chair
Theory of Change
Our mission is to improve life for everyone in Sunderland through Culture. This year’s annual review shows just a few examples of how we translate creative activity into real-world impact.
Achieving our mission
Improving the city’s profile and reputation
Creating connectivity amongst our communities
Building confidence and aspiration in young people
Improving health and wellbeing
Growing the creative economy
Our year in figures
571,037
Visitors
138
Exhibitions, performances and events
36,065
Participants
7313
School visitors
540
Volunteer hours
122.5
Student placement hours
297
Artist and freelancer collaborations
33
Unlock grants
104
Bursaries for young people
1,048,365
Web visitors
76,467
Social media followers
A word from our Core Partners
Our core partners Sunderland City Council, University of Sunderland and Sunderland Music, Arts & Culture Trust are key to us achieving our mission.
Chief Executive’s Reflection
A closing statement from Nick Malyan, Chief Executive of Sunderland Culture.
Sunderland Culture reflects the city we serve – ambitious, collaborative and creative. We are proud of our rich heritage and remain committed to a future where everyone can play a part in the city’s cultural life.
Looking Ahead
Culture House Sunderland
Culture House will be a transformative new civic
space at the heart of Sunderland.
NGCA Relocation
The Northern Gallery of Contemporary Art
enters a new chapter.
Glassworks: Sunderland
Glassworks: Sunderland will be a new world-class facility for people to create in glass and ceramics.
Museum Redevelopment
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is undergoing a major redevelopment.
Our Funders
We’re hugely grateful to our partners, funders, donors and everyone who has supported our work during 2025-26. This has enabled us to offer a remarkable range of high quality cultural, heritage and creative activities in Sunderland for people to enjoy, experience and participate in.