Chief Executive's Reflection

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.

This was evidenced in new and powerful ways in April 2025 with Public Record – a hugely impactful collaboration with Sunderland Empire and the National Theatre, offering a portrait of the city through the voices and experiences of local people.

Across our venues, audiences enjoyed an outstanding programme of exhibitions and events. Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art presented major exhibitions including Ro Robertson and Hetain Patel’s Come As You Really Are. Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens showcased Sheila Fell: Cumberland on Canvas, Going Back Brockens and a new, comprehensive presentation of Rebel Women of Sunderland. At National Glass Centre, Julia Stephenson curated a fitting final exhibition programme, culminating in The Graduates – a celebration of nearly three decades of internationally recognised glassmaking. Looking ahead, plans continue for Glassworks: Sunderland, a new creative space for glassmaking in Sunniside which sets out to retain the world-class making community that continues the city’s 1350-year history of glass.

Alongside our exhibitions and performances, learning and participation remain central to everything we do. Through our schools, community and family programmes, we continue to ensure that people of all ages can experience the benefits of creativity and culture. Arts Centre Washington remains at the heart of this work, welcoming over 150,000 visitors each year and we look forward to marking its 50th anniversary in 2027.

Our partnerships continue to create lasting impact. Through our innovative Culture Start partnership, more than 9,000 children and young people have accessed creative opportunities across the city. Meanwhile, Unlock, our business support programme delivered in partnership with Sunderland City Council, and the new City Volunteers initiative, a collaborative effort from various local organisations and venues, are supporting artists, creative businesses and volunteers to contribute to Sunderland’s growing creative economy.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our staff, freelancers, artists, volunteers, partners, trustees, supporters, and the strategic leadership that drives ambition and change on behalf of the city. We are equally grateful to our funders, particularly Arts Council England, whose continued investment enables us to deliver ambitious cultural programmes that make a real difference.

This annual review offers just a glimpse of what has been another remarkable year. Thank you to everyone who has been part of Sunderland Culture’s journey. We look forward to continuing to create, connect and inspire together.

Nick Malyan
Chief Executive, Sunderland Culture