Cultural Spring

23/06/2026

Paid Internship with the Cultural Spring.

We are thrilled to have secured funding from Culture Start, Sunderland Culture to support two new Sunderland based interns for 2026 -2027. Last year we had two fantastic interns Ellie and Evie join us. They were involved in a wide range of activities and events and they became a key part of our small team.

We are looking for 2 young people living in or studying in Sunderland aged 16 or 17 years to complete a paid Intern role during 2026-2027.

This is a hybrid role. This role can be a mix of homebased work, in the office and out in the community with support from other members of the Cultural Spring team.

The role is offered for between 5-10 hours per week.
Pay: £10 per hour
Deadline for applications 5pm 29th July
For further information, email [email protected]

This will be a 26-week placement for each of the 2 Interns. Information and how to apply click on this link. https://www.theculturalspring.org/opportunities

23/06/2026

Do you make, craft, stitch, paint, draw, photograph, sculpt or create?

We’d love to hear from you.

As part of Stitching Sunderland’s Story, The Cultural Spring and Thompson Park Community Association are looking for local people to exhibit their work alongside a beautiful community quilt created over 10 weeks with artist Harriett Mee.

The exhibition will celebrate Sunderland’s people, places, memories and creativity — and you don’t need to have exhibited before to take part.

Thompson Park Community Association
Saturday 18 July, 12pm–5pm

Send an expression of interest via the Google Form (available here https://www.theculturalspring.org/latest-news/open-call-for-exhibition) or email [email protected].

Deadline: Monday 6 July

20/06/2026

Still time to apply to be on our Steering Group! - Deadline on MONDAY!

Our work is all about putting local people in the driving seat and giving them the means and support to decide how they want to engage with arts and culture.

By joining our Steering Group, you can help guide our overall direction, influence plans and priorities in Sunderland and South Tyneside, make sure community voices are heard in decisions, and join discussions that shape our future.

If you live in South Tyneside or Sunderland and can join us for 4 meetings a year, we’d really love to hear from you.

No special experience is needed, just an interest in making a positive difference through arts in your local area.

All are welcome to apply! We're particularly interested in adding more youth voices to our steering group.

See below for more information and register your interest using the form.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScMcLkmRNdWWnlC_XFALTvx74tti_nXIDhwZWU1HMZT2a5wgw/viewform?usp=header

19/06/2026

BITESIZE: COMMUNITY TOURING CALLOUT

Creatives, organisations, musicians, theatre makers, dancers, digital artists, multidisciplinary performers and anyone with a brilliant project idea – we want to hear from you!

Bitesize is our commissioning programme for local touring work that has been co-created with communities across Sunderland and South Tyneside. We’re inviting expressions of interest for our latest Bitesize programme taking place in 2026-2027.

What is Bitesize?
Previously, Bitesize projects have mostly been performance-based, offering participants the chance to see their stories come to life through theatre, music, dance, and live artistic experiences. Public sharing events should be central to your project, but exactly what that can be… we’re open to surprises!
Every Bitesize project should be:
- Co-created with local people as genuine partners in the development of the work and final sharing events
- Focussed on bringing people together to share food (themed to the creative work!), meet and make connections, and experience top class, high-quality art
- Hosted in the local area in community venues – e.g. community centres, libraries, outdoor/public spaces, shopping centres… or somewhere completely unexpected!
In terms of what your creative project should be – that’s up to you and the communities you plan to engage!

Commission: £8000 – venue hire costs, catering, and marketing costs are covered by us.

Deadline: 5pm Mon 13th July 2026

Find out more here:
https://www.theculturalspring.org/opportunities

17/06/2026

17/06/2026

DEADLINE TOMORROW!

We're seeking two artists/creatives to deliver creative activities for families and festival audiences at this year's Summer Streets Festival on Sunday 5th July!
There are no restrictions on artform, but we're particularly interested to hear about activities that focus on intergenerational creativity and/or exploring and celebrating cultures from across the globe.
Fee: £400 per artist
Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Thurs 18th June.
Find out more here: https://www.theculturalspring.org/opportunities

16/06/2026

OPEN CALL
Calling Sunderland creatives!

The Cultural Spring and Thompson Park Community Association are inviting local artists, makers, crafters, hobbyists and creative residents to take part in Stitching Sunderland’s Story.

This one-day community exhibition will showcase a collaborative quilt created through our Made Together programme, alongside work from local people inspired by Sunderland’s stories, places, memories and heritage.

No previous exhibition experience is needed — creativity belongs to everyone.

Saturday 18 July 2026
12pm–5pm
Thompson Park Community Association

To find out more and express your interest, complete the form here:
https://www.theculturalspring.org/latest-news/open-call-for-exhibition

or email [email protected] with details of your work.

Deadline: Monday 6 July

15/06/2026

Community groups, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises in South Tyneside!
The deadline for expressions of interest to be part of our Community Arts Research Project is fast approaching!
This is a chance to explore the questions, challenges or themes that matter to your community by working alongside an artist to develop a creative project together.
We’re looking for groups who are interested in:
- Exploring a question or theme
- Working collaboratively with an artist
- Taking part in a creative, open-ended process shaped by your community
Find out more and apply by downloading our call-out information pack: https://www.theculturalspring.org/opportunities
Deadline: TOMORROW 12 noon Tuesday 16th June

14/06/2026

TODAY!
Head on down to the South Shields Seaside Market - we're supporting our South Tyneside Creative Enterprise group, who are here and selling their beautiful handmade goods!

We've been working with the group to help local community members build skills, knowledge, and connections to turn their creativity into more than a hobby.
Come along to the covered walkway next to the amphitheatre between 10am and 3pm and see what treasures they have on offer!