Brewing creativity at Sunderland’s new café

A Sunderland city centre café is set to bring people together through art and community.

The new venture, called The Art Café, is being launched by Su Devine, a former teacher from Whitley Bay who rediscovered her passion for painting after a life-changing accident left her losing feeling in her left arm and fingers.

Located in the old Haversham’s Café building on Fawcett Street, the café will serve food and drink while doubling as a hub for creativity, with workshops, events and space for local artists to showcase their work.

Su said: “I was really struggling after the accident, to the extent that I didn’t leave my home for almost 18 months, but then my friend talked me into attending a life drawing class.

“I loved art as a child but when a teacher told me ‘Never to bother painting again,’ I didn’t. 

“Then I attended the class, and it just rekindled my love for it.

“I paint and make sculptures now and it’s taken me to university, given me the confidence to socialise and now we’re opening the Art Café. 

“Art literally saved my life.”

A key feature will be Sunderland’s first “art bank,” offering free materials for those unable to afford supplies, opening up opportunities for more people to get involved in art.

The project builds on Su’s strong ties with the city, having studied at the University of Sunderland and helping organise three art festivals in the city, supported by Sunderland BID, Culture House, Sunderland Culture and Sunderland City Council.

Su added: “The café will open Tuesday to Saturday, 9am – 5pm, and our hope is that it will be utilised by anyone and everyone with an interest in art, no matter what their skill or interest level.

“We will also have a dedicated space for events and workshops. 

“Some events will be pay to attend but we’re keen for some to be free via a ‘pay it forward’ system too to engage as many people as possible.

“We’ll have pottery wheels, sewing machines and all of your traditional arts and crafts workshops, so it really will offer something for everyone.

“My mantra is ‘art for all’. 

“I know first-hand how life changing art can be and the art bank is our way of ensuring more people can channel their inner creatives. 

“Even if we can encourage one person to take up art, it’ll all be worthwhile.

“Sunderland has a really vibrant creative community with lots of social entrepreneurs and artists, particularly in Sunniside, and they’ve really welcomed me with open arms.

“I’ve held moving galleries at Breeze Creatives’ gallery over the past two years, which is just next to us on Fawcett Street, and The Art Café will further build on this.

“It will provide space for artists to display their work while bringing people together to encourage more collaboration among the city’s artists. 

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone when we open our doors.”

Su has received support from Sunderland City Council’s business investment team.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, cabinet member for regeneration, business and housing at Sunderland City Council, added: “We are delighted to welcome The Art Café to Sunniside.

“The area is fast becoming a popular hub for creatives and independent businesses, with several creative studios, event spaces and cafes opening in Sunniside over recent years, and this new venue will be another welcome addition to our creative community. 

“It will be a fantastic addition to the city and we would like to wish Su all the best with the new venture.”

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