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As part of the Unlock programme to support the city’s creative sector, in 2024 Sunderland Culture launched an open call to independent creative practitioners, businesses and organisations based in the city for a grant of up to £2500, which would fund activity to support the growth of creative businesses in Sunderland.
Funded by the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, the grants were part of the Sunderland Innovate and Grow enterprise programme, led by University of Sunderland.
After two months of information sessions, one-to-one meetings with creative businesses and other activities to spread the word, Sunderland Culture awarded 41 direct grants ranging from between £220 to £2500, totalling more than £63,000 and six enterprises embarked on a mentoring programme.
I received funding…to take a stone-setting workshop at Vanilla Ink Studios in Glasgow while obtaining some of the necessary tools to practice new skills. Having already received recognition for my jewellery designs through an exhibition opportunity at the Museum of Art and Design in New York City, as well as being featured in Harper’s Bazaar, magazine, I feel that this new strand of practice will gain further recognition while being accessible to a wider pool of clientele. This will provide a steadier income stream, aiding in the development and expansion of my own personal glass/jewellery studio.
Joanna Manousis, Artist