Member Article

Creative organisations in Sunderland have joined forces to form the Sunderland Family Arts Network

Several Sunderland Arts Organisations have joined forces to form the Sunderland Family Arts Network in a bid to promote and increase the involvement of families in art activities around the city.

Having already built strong links amongst creative businesses, the Sunderland Family Arts Network is currently preparing for its half term holiday programme, which aims to give families the opportunity to get involved with a variety of art activities from October 29 until November 2.

The Network has been formed as part of the Arts Council supported Family Arts Campaign and currently includes; Creative Cohesion, Arts Centre Washington, Northernl Gallery for Contemporary Art, ASSIGN, E-on Arts, Deborah Cauchi Fine Arts and The Bunker.

Lesley Cooperwaite, artist and trustee of Creative Cohesion, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to offer so many wonderful workshops as part of the Family Arts Network in Sunderland. These include activities such as, ‘make your own lanterns’ sessions and the Family Sewing School.

“So many people think that there’s nothing going on in Sunderland for children and families to get involved in the arts. The Network is working to change this perception and ensure everyone gets fair access to art in our City.”

The Network was set up in response to the Family Arts Festival, a nationwide campaign, which aims to develop the range of arts events and activities available to families across the UK.

Kathryn Tye, Creative Cohesion and the Network’s co-ordinator said: “Sunderland has a thriving and vibrant creative scene with a wide range of creative businesses and venues offering the chance to experience art and creativity at the highest level. We want families to see Sunderland as a hub of creative activity to enable families from wide and diverse backgrounds to come together to enjoy and interact with creative activities and events.”

The Arts Centre Washington will also be taking part in the family friendly programme. They will present Luna, an enchanting theatre experience for 2-5 year olds about friendship and being brave in the dark, on October 30.

Matthew Blyth, Audience Development Officer, Arts Centre Washington, said:

“We were very keen to join with other arts organisations in the city to celebrate the first Family Arts Festival and all of the good work which goes on in Sunderland for families.

“I think the network will be a great benefit to families in the city by providing clearer communication of the type of activities that are on offer. Venues and organisations can also improve and share their best practice for providing high quality experiences for families as well as meeting the needs of different family types.”

With half term just around the corner, the Sunderland Family Arts Network’s main priority is its contribution to the Family Arts Festival. Going forward the network will continue to work towards broadening public participation in different forms of art.

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This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Marie Donnelly .