Glassworks: Sunderland is an exciting new vision for a world-class, maker-led space dedicated to creating in glass. Rooted in Sunderland’s 1,350-year glassmaking heritage, the facility will look firmly to the future — supporting bold, contemporary making while celebrating the skills and traditions that shaped the city.
Planned as a nationally significant centre of excellence, Glassworks will be one of the few places in the UK offering specialist glassmaking facilities for artists and participants. Alongside a fully equipped hot glass studio, the space will include a wide range of specialist processes — from coldworking, fusing, sandblasting and stained glass, to flameworking, lathe work and water-jet cutting. There will also be facilities for allied creative practices such as digital design, woodwork, metalwork and ceramics, as well as flexible spaces for residencies, shared studios, exchanges and incubation for emerging makers.
We’re now shaping what Glassworks: Sunderland could become — and that’s where you come in. We want to understand what makers need locally, regionally and nationally, and how this new facility can genuinely support your practice. This short survey (around 8 minutes) is your chance to help influence the plans and ensure Glassworks is shaped by the maker community it’s for. All responses are anonymous.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. With your input, Glassworks: Sunderland can become an inclusive, forward-thinking and inspiring place — helping glassmaking thrive today and into the future.
