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Digital Commission: Film Making Project | Culture Start
Project: Culture Start
Fee: £5250
Timings: Project runs February – September 2026 with a minimum of 15 on-site sessions to be delivered during that period
Location: Sunderland (on-site sessions located at The Flatts Youth Centre)
Deadline: 10am on 23 December 2025
We are seeking to commission an artist/organisation to deliver a film making project with young people as part of Culture Start.
The project is aimed at working with young people (aged approximately 11–18) living in Easington Lane and surrounding areas who attend youth club sessions at The Flatts Youth Centre (ran by Community Opportunities). Youth club sessions take place on Mondays and Fridays between 3pm and 5pm.
About Culture Start
Culture Start is an ambitious three-year programme to reduce the long-term impact of poverty on children and young people in Sunderland by providing greater access to cultural and creative opportunities to improve life chances and choices.
Culture Start is led by Sunderland Culture, on behalf of a strong cross-sector city partnership of partners from culture, education, housing, community and voluntary sectors. The programme is supported by a £1.2m Place Partnership award from Arts Council England through the National Lottery, and generously funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, Gillian Dickinson Trust and the Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust.
About Community Opportunities
Community Opportunities, previously known as Sunderland North Community Business Centre, has delivered services in Sunderland since 1987, offering a range of community-based services for local families and residents.
Flatts Youth Centre, located on Easington Lane, is a well-established hub for young people. It offers a welcoming and safe space where local young people can take part in a range of activities, access support and develop new skills.
About the project
The filmmaker will collaborate with young people to co-create a short film (or series of short films) on a subject of their choosing. We anticipate the film’s theme will emerge from early engagement and consultation with the young people.
Through hands-on engagement via workshops (we anticipate this commission should allow for a minimum of 15 workshops), the young people will develop skills in film making, as well as other transferable skills. The project will culminate in a community screening of the finished work.
In-setting workshops will take place at The Flatts Youth Centre (led by Community Opportunities) as part of their regular youth club programme. Sessions take place on Mondays and Fridays between 3pm-5pm.
There is a regular attendance of between 25-35 young people each session, though not all will choose to participate in the film making project. A member of the Culture Start team and youth workers will be present during the project sessions.
Timeline
23 December – Application deadline
January 2026 – Artist selection
February 2026 onwards – Co-creation and development phase
30 September 2026 – Final sharing and launch
Aims & objectives
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- To engage young people in a positive and creative activity, that helps develop new skills
- To provide young people with a voice and ownership over a shared creative output
- To introduce participants to film making and media production in a hands-on, supportive way
- To build transferable skills in storytelling, digital literacy, teamwork, communication, and confidence
- To foster pride in place and community through creative expression
- To create a high-quality short film (or films) to be screened locally and potentially shared more widely
Participation
Young People will be involved at every stage, including:
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- Supporting the selection process
- Shaping the theme and content of the film
- Learning technical and creative aspects of filmmaking
- Taking on different roles (camera operator, presenter, editor, director, etc.)
- Promoting and participating in the final screening
The role of the Film Maker
We are seeking a filmmaker with experience in participatory practice and youth engagement.
The successful practitioner will:
- Deliver introductory taster sessions to introduce the project and build interest
- Facilitate a series of in-setting film making workshops. This could cover:
- Story development and scripting
- Camera operation and sound recording
- Interview techniques and presenting to camera
- Editing and post-production
- Provide access to and/or training on basic film-making equipment and software
- Ensure a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all participants
- Oversee the creative process and technical production of the final film(s)
- Support a public screening event at the end of the project
- Support evaluation, monitoring and marketing activities
Who are we looking for?
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- A facilitator with a background working with young people, especially those facing disadvantage and/or low engagement with arts and cultural opportunities
- Someone who can work collaboratively and flexibility in their approach to film making and teaching
- Someone with an understanding of youth culture and current digital storytelling trends
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Technical proficiency with access to film equipment and editing software
- Someone with a current Enhanced check from the Disclosure and Barring Service and Public Liability Insurance cover of £5 million
Fee/Budget
There is a budget of £5250 available for this commission.
This should include:
- Planning time
- Delivery of in-setting sessions (minimum 15 sessions)
- Production time
- Materials
- Expenses, travel and VAT
How to apply
Your application should include:
- A proposal (max 2 pages or 5-minute audio/video) outlining your idea, approach, and experience working with young people
- A brief biography or CV (for individuals) or organisational profile
- A budget breakdown indicating how the fee will be used
- Confirmation that you have Public Liability Insurance of up to £5m and Employers Liability Insurance (if you’re applying as an organisation).
- Confirmation that you have Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (if you do not have DBS check issued within the past three years or subscribe to the DBS Update Service, you will need to undergo this check if you are awarded the commission).
Please send your application to culturestart@sunderlandculture.org.uk
Deadline: 10am, Tuesday 23 December
Alternative formats are welcome. If you have any access needs regarding the application process, please contact us to discuss support.
Selection process
Through the selection process we will consider the following:
- Artistic/creative quality and approach
- Track record of creative engagement with young people
- Feasibility of proposal within budget available
- Experience and suitability of the artist/organisation
Shortlisted artists / organisations will be invited to interview. The interview process will include an opportunity to meet the young people and deliver a short practical creative activity.
The interview will take place on either a Monday or Friday between 3pm and 5pm in January.
A fee will be provided for shortlisted artists/organisations to support preparation time and attendance at the interview.
Contact
For further information or to informally discuss a proposal, please contact culturestart@sunderlandculture.org.uk
Culture Start is supported by a £1.2m Place Partnership award from Arts Council England through the National Lottery, and generously funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Sir James Knott Trust, and the Gillian Dickinson Trust.
