Future Creatives will unlock creative opportunities, events and insights for young people into Sunderland’s vibrant cultural scene. The free initiative is being steered by Culture Start which was launched last year to reduce the impact of poverty by providing greater access to creative activities for children and young people growing up in low-income households across Wearside.
Culture Start is led by Sunderland Culture on behalf of a partnership of organisations across the city.
A Future Creatives launch event will be held on Thursday, May 29 (5 – 7pm) at Southpaw Studios in Sheepfold Stables, next to the Stadium of Light.
Lucy Rees Harris, Producer at Culture Start, said: “Our Future Creatives launch event will be an evening of creativity, connection and inspiration. Young people will be able to enjoy live music, hands-on creative activities, food and soft drinks and plenty of free opportunities to explore their creative side.
“Young people will be able to meet local artists and creative professionals, hear their stories, and share their ideas about what Future Creatives should offer. It’s a chance to shape something new and exciting and to be part of what will be a growing creative community.
“Whether you’re a budding musician, writer, photographer, film-maker or performer, Future Creatives is your place to shine. We’ll give you the skills, support and the platforms you need to explore your creativity in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.”
Future Creatives is open to young people aged 13 to 18, and up to 25 for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Michael Barrass, Culture Start Manager, added: “Future Creatives is part of our wider strategy to engage young people and help them to understand the opportunities available to them in the cultural sector.
“Whereas most of our activity is aimed at young people from low-income families, Future Creatives is for all young people on Wearside.
“A huge part of our new community will be listening to young people and empowering them to shape Future Creatives – we’ll respond to what they want the community to become and to what activities and events they’d like us to organise.
“Future Creatives will be completely free to join – there’ll be no hidden costs, just a load of creative opportunities. Once young people are signed up we’ll keep them in the loop through social media about all the exciting stuff that is happening in the city.”
Members of the Future Creatives community will be able to:
- Learn New Tricks: Master new creative skills through free workshops and masterclasses;
- Find Creative Mates: Connect and collaborate with other talented young people;
- Shine Bright: Get opportunities to showcase their work at events and exhibitions;
- Meet the Experts: Connect with inspiring artists and industry professionals and get a glimpse into creative careers;
- Get a Helping Hand: Access mentoring, volunteering, work experience, and even potential funding to fuel their creative dreams;
- Be a VIP: Get free access to shows, gigs and exhibitions
- Enjoy: Get out, make friends, and belong to a community that celebrates everything creative.
Other events already arranged for Future Creatives include:
Speed Arting – Friday, May 30 (4-6pm ) at Port Independent, Unit 4 St Thomas Street, SR1 1QD. A fun, informal event for young creative people who want to meet others in the arts and build confidence sharing their passions.
Go & See: Hamilton the Musical – Tuesday, July 1 12.30 – 5pm, Sunderland Empire Theatre, 4-5 High Street West Sunderland SR1 3EX. An exclusive free ticket offer for a performance of Hamilton the Musical at the Sunderland Empire, including a cast Q&A and post-show technical demonstration.
Dance Skills Bootcamp with Southpaw Dance Company -Tuesday July 29 – Friday August 1, 11am-3pm each day, Lambton Street Youth Centre, 25 Falkland Road Sunderland SR4 6XA and Southpaw Studio, Sheepfolds, SR5 1BA. A chance to step up and get moving with Southpaw Dance Company in this high-energy, four-day dance bootcamp. Whether you’re new to dance or looking to level up, this bootcamp is your chance to grow in confidence, creativity, and performance.
Work Experience with Sunderland Culture -Tuesday July 15 to Friday July 18, 10am – 4pm daily, Sunderland Culture venues city-wide. Interested in pursuing a career in the arts and culture sector? If you are aged 15+ and looking for work experience this July, apply to join the team.
For more information on Future Creatives, or to sign-up, go to sunderlandcuture.org.uk/futurecreatives