Proggy mats and baby book clubs in new programme of workshops

An award-winning arts project has launched its latest season programme of workshops.

The Cultural Spring is an Arts Council England funded project aimed at increasing the number of people taking part in arts activity in Sunderland and South Tyneside and its summer programme sees a return to mostly in-person workshops, although a summers writers group is available online.

In-person workshops include: African Drumming with GemArts; Ukuleles with Sam Burt; Pre-school Painters with Kerry Cook; Hooky and Proggy rug making with Joy Daglass; Ceramics with Lindsey Grieves; Baby Book Club with Catherine Scott; Introduction to Watercolours with Lindsey Grieves; Indian Block painting with Kath Price; Beach Craft with Carol White; Origami for Beginners with Pui Lee; Graffiti Art sessions with Mark Shields; Printed Cardmaking with Sally Southern; Kirigami with Pui Lee and Mosaic Tiles with Sally Southern.

These workshops are held in easily-accessible venues throughout Sunderland and South Tyneside, and the summer programme begins w/c June 13.

Alex Marsden, Community Engagement Co-ordinator at The Cultural Spring, said: "We're delighted to be working with our venues to offer so many brilliant in-person workshops and activity sessions. There are some new activities to try as well as some old favourites.

"We appreciate some people are still a bit nervous about attending workshops at venues, so Amanda Quinn will be producing an online summers writers course - and we also have some of our very popular at-home activity packs available.

"These packs provide an opportunity to learn a new skill and create something amazing at home. Participants receive a monthly activity pack to their door with all the materials and instructions provided to create a beautiful piece of art.  Packs are suitable for everyone, and participants will be supported by monthly check-in calls for advice and support.

"I'd like to thank all of our talented artists and our friendly, welcoming venues for their help in putting together such a busy and interesting programme of activity, and I'd advise people to book early as we've had a lot of interest already."

For more information on dates and venues, or to book, visit https://www.theculturalspring.org/whatson to find the full list of workshops available and the booking links. Spaces are limited so don't delay.

All of the workshops operate on a Pay What You Feel basis whereby participants are encouraged to make a donation (suggested £2) towards the cost of provision, but there is no set price for taking part in the majority of classes.

The last element of the programme is The Cultural Spring's popular Go and See visits, which gives people living in Sunderland and South Tyneside the chance to experience great arts and cultural events inside and outside of the boroughs at reduced cost. Go to The Cultural Spring's website - www.theculturalspring.org.uk - for the latest information on the project's Go and See visits.

The Cultural Spring was launched in 2014 and is funded by Arts Council England's Creative People and Places project. It aims to increase participation in arts activity in Sunderland and South Tyneside, and its five partners are University of Sunderland, the Customs House (South Shields), Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust, Sunderland's Young Asian Voices (YAV) and The Cultural Spring Charity.