Sunderland will participate in the BBC Arts ‘Get Creative’ weekend with a day of exciting workshops planned on Saturday April 8.
In the bid to become City of Culture in 2021, Sunderland 2021 are encouraging the city to contribute their creativity by attending a wide range of free activities happening throughout the day.
Get Creative is a national project by the BBC, which aims to boost creativity in UK cities. The project will return after a successful first Get Creative weekend in April 2016.
This will be Sunderland’s first year taking part in the event.
Callum Nichols, a spokesperson from Sunderland 2021 said: “The Get Creative weekend is really good opportunity to showcase the diversity of the city’s talent. We have got a wide range of things going on from art workshops to city walks.
“We are hoping this will be a look into the future if we are successful with the bid for City of Culture in 2021. We are always happy to be involved with these events and it fits very well with our message. It will be a very exciting weekend for Sunderland”
Many of Sunderland’s creative establishments will be hosting workshops for people to get involved, including the National Glass Centre who will be holding a paper jewellery workshop.
The Northern Centre of Photography is also taking part in a photo walk, with dance classes and performances also being held at the Bridges Shopping Centre.
Local record store Pop Recs Ltd will also be getting involved with song writing and poster screenprinting workshops.
Sunderland author and musician Keith Gregson will also pay a visit to the music venue on Sunday April 9.
Michael McKnight, owner of Pop Recs Ltd, said: “We are very excited to be involved in the Get Creative weekend, anything we can do to help Sunderland win the 2021 City of Culture bid and shine a positive light on Sunderland, it’s a great thing to be a part of.
“There is a lot of art and creativity in Sunderland but I think a lot of people don’t realise it. The Get Creative weekend is a way to really shine a light on how much creativity there is in our city.”
You can find out more about the free workshops going on on Saturday April 8 here.