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Our Partners

City Volunteers is a new way to volunteer in Sunderland, delivered by Sunderland Culture in partnership with Culture House Sunderland, Sunderland BID and the Foundation of Light.

Sunderland BID

An older man in a black and red striped sweater stands laughing next to a large white banner. A young woman crouches down and draws on the banner, filling in the outline of a face with an orange marker. The banner has large text that says 'Art Festival Sunderland in the frame' and 'Capture your festival experience on our interactive canvas'.

“We are improving Sunderland”

Sunderland BID works to create a city to be proud of. Their priorities ensure the organisation’s goals are met and they are accountable for the promises they make.

These priorities represent the driving force to build a safe, clean & attractive environment, to ensure the city business voices are heard at the highest levels, and to raise Sunderland’s profile regionally and nationally.

Foundation of Light

A person in a green volunteer hoodie and sunglasses stands on the edge of a football pitch. They are holding a sign that says 'Foundation of Light, the world at your feet'. Another person is visible behind them, holding up a red sign that says '1 in 3 children in Sunderland is living in poverty.' The stands are full of spectators.

“We are the official charity of Sunderland AFC”

Established in 2001 by former Sunderland AFC chairman Sir Bob Murray CBE, Foundation of Light is the official charity of Sunderland AFC.

The cross-section of people the Foundation works with across the North East is unparalleled; working with those aged 18 months to 80, offering something for everyone; with programmes impacting on health, behaviour, attitude, skills, education and much more.

Made up of teachers, health workers, coaches, family learning officers youth workers and support staff the Foundation of Light works with over 23,000 people every year.

Whilst being linked to SAFC, the Foundation are structurally and financially independent from the football club and responsible for fundraising £4million each year to run our life-changing programmes.

Culture House Sunderland

Culture House Sunderland

Culture House Sunderland is the National Centre for Creative Smart Cities.

The venue will create a living room in the heart of the city, providing a relaxing and welcoming space for visitors from Sunderland and beyond.

At Culture House Sunderland’s heart is the Sunderland City Library, with the library collection spanning its four floors alongside spaces for events, creative learning, exhibitions, filmmaking, podcasting, music-making and performance. The venue will be immersive, dynamic and digitally-powered, which will be reflected in its programme.