The Cultural Spring launches its Summer Workshop Programme

Award-winning arts project The Cultural Spring has launched its latest seasonal 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 its new summer programme features a wide range of in-person workshops - and a virtual creative writing workshop.

The in-person workshops include: textile decoration with Zoe Corr; clay portraits with Nicola Lynch; recycled arts with Jo Howell; fun with fabrics with Kath Price; African drumming (ages 5-11 and 11 to adults) with GemArts; textiles upcycling with Joy Dagless; photography and cyanotypes with Jo Howell and ukuleles with Sam Burt. There are also specific family sessions in textile decoration, with Zoe Corr; clay portraits with Nicola Lynch and recycled arts with Jo Howell.

The workshops are held in easily-accessible venues throughout Sunderland, Washington and the Coalfields area.

The Cultural Spring's workshop programme is already underway and the first few sessions include: early years music with Ashleigh Lowes (Mondays until July 10, 1pm-2pm at Back on the Map in Hendon); African drumming with GemArts (Fridays from June 9 to July 7, 6pm - 7.30pm at Stockton Road URC Church - for young people aged 11 and over); furniture upcyling with artist Ali Williams (Fridays from June 9 to July 14, 10am - 12pm at Grindon Church Community Project at Galway Road, Grindon); water colour painting with Kerry Cook (Thursdays from June 15 to July 27 at The Art Rooms, The Athenaeum, Fawcett Street), and photography and cyanotypes with Jo Howell (Tuesdays from June 6 to July 18, 3pm at Stockton Road United Reformed Church).

Alexandra Marsden, Community Engagement Co-ordinator at The Cultural Spring, said:

"We're delighted to be working with our many venues to offer so many workshops and activity sessions. There are some new activities to try as well as some old favourites.

"Whether you're a budding musician or an awesome artist, or just fancy learning a new skill and trying something new, we will take you on that journey with expert help on hand.

"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."

Emma Horsman, The Cultural Spring Project Director, said: "We want to encourage more people to get involved in arts and cultural activities without cost being a barrier. We believe great arts and culture is for everyone, not just those that can afford it so our programme operates on a 'Pay What You Feel' basis, unless a cost is stated.

"This means if you enjoy your session and can afford it, a donation of any amount would be greatly received and helps us provide more arts and cultural sessions for more people within Sunderland. You can donate cash in the sessions or via an online link which will be provided after the session."

More than 100 workshops were delivered during The Cultural Spring's last programme of activities, with more than 1,500 participants.

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

Another element of the programme is The Cultural Spring's popular Go and See visits, which gives Wearsiders 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 its partners are University of Sunderland, the Customs House (South Shields), Sunderland Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust, Sangini, Sunderland's Young Asian Voices (YAV) and The Cultural Spring Charity.