The Cultural Spring: Summer 2018

I’m always keen to get my hands on the latest What’s On Guide from The Cultural Spring – and not just because my name’s in it.

For the past four years, the project has been bringing unique experiences to Sunderland and South Tyneside, putting arts and culture on the doorsteps of people who traditionally wouldn’t think of accessing such activities.

I’ve been involved in running calligraphy workshops for The Cultural Spring for the last two years.

As someone who grew up in one of the wards the project was piloted in and now lives in one of the wards it is currently working in, I can’t sing its praises highly enough.

Get involved in cultural activities

This year’s summer programme is once again packed with a wide range of activities for people of all ages, from music and performance groups to arts and crafts workshops like jewellery making, sewing and upcycling furniture.

I’m hosting my first intermediate calligraphy course as part of the programme, as well as another beginner’s course, each lasting for five weeks at Trinity House in South Shields.

The intermediate course is already full, but there are spaces available on the beginner’s course, which starts on Wednesday, June 20.

There are also some fantastic ‘Go and See’ opportunities to experience arts and cultural events happening across the north east and beyond, including a trip to Carlisle Castle to see the Poppies: Weeping Window display.

The Cultural Spring has also planned outings to The Shipley Art Gallery in Gateshead to see its new exhibition and the Bowes Museum in County Durham.

Suffragettes and ships

For those inspired by the Suffragette movement as we celebrate 100 years since the first women were granted to right to vote in the UK, there are banner making workshops inspired by these amazing women and others.

A group of women and girls will work together and share craft skills like knitting, weaving, patchwork, appliqué, print, quilting, embroidery and beading, to create an artwork as part of PROCESSIONS, a 14-18 NOW commission.

They will join then hundreds of other groups from around the UK as part of a procession in Edinburgh on Saturday, June 10.

There’s also plenty going on to coincide with the visit of The Tall Ships Races to Sunderland in July, including 3D model ship making at FabLab, based at Hope St Xchange in Sunderland.

There are also screenings of Sunderland on Film, featuring archive footage exploring the city’s heritage and history, including its proud shipbuilding past.

You can view the full programme here and to book your place on any of the activities, e-mail booking@theculturalspring.org.uk or call (0191) 427 8197.

Places are limited, so book early to guarantee your place.

Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult, unless otherwise stated.