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A word from our Core Partners
Sunderland Culture is firmly place-focused in its creative and cultural ambition.
We work across the city with communities and local partners to ensure the power of great art, culture and creativity is harnessed for the benefit of Sunderland, its residents and visitors. Our approach to working in partnership with our core partners, local and national partners is widely recognised as an exemplar model of place-based working.
Our core partners Sunderland City Council, University of Sunderland and Sunderland Music, Arts & Culture Trust are key to us achieving our mission.
“As the newly elected Portfolio Holder for Culture Tourism and Heritage I am delighted to contribute to the Sunderland Culture Annual Review 2025/26.
As a council, we remain committed to strengthening our partnerships and investing in festivals, events, new technology, and high-quality cultural programmes that enhance the lives of our communities and support the businesses that underpin our local economy.
Working in partnership with Sunderland Culture, we will continue to grow our visitor economy while creating new opportunities for our young people in skills development and directly supporting more entrepreneurial creativity.”
Cllr Ciera Hudspith
Portfolio Holder, Culture, Tourism & Heritage
Sunderland City Council
“As a founding member of Sunderland Culture, the University recognises the vital role that the arts and creativity play in enhancing opportunities and enriching lives across our city.
The relocation of the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA) to the new Culture House – following the closure of the National Glass Centre in July 2026 – alongside progress on the Glassworks project signals an exciting new chapter for cultural activities in the city, bringing fresh energy and vibrancy to Sunderland in the coming years.
I congratulate Sunderland Culture for its work in championing talent, inspiring communities, and showcasing work of real significance.”
Sir David Bell
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive,
University of Sunderland
“It has been another successful year for Sunderland Culture with another great series of eclectic and vibrant exhibitions, performances and programmes.
A special mention must be given to the award-winning Public Record, which perfectly illustrated how diverse communities in our City worked together collaboratively to produce a wonderful piece of art.
A particular joy for me this year has been as a proud member of the bursary panel for the Culture Start programme, helping children and young people in Sunderland to realise their creative ambitions.”
Michelle Daurat
Chief Executive, Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture Trust, and Sunderland Music City CIC