Some frequently asked questions.

What are the dates of the 2024 Arts and Culture Trail?

Our 2024 event runs from the 6th to the 21st of July 2024 with a launch event planned for Friday the 5th of July in Sunniside.

How do I get involved?

To visit the art trail, you can download the free map from the website ahead of time and familiarise yourself with the venue locations, then after checking the weather forecast, explore at your leisure!

If you’re interested in taking part as a host venue/artist, send us an email via the contact page on our the website to express your interest in taking part.

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Are there any costs associated with taking part in the trail?

Our arts and culture trail is FREE for everyone involved which includes visitors to the trail, host venues, exhibiting artists and performers. 

Where can I see the artworks and performances on the trail?

The artworks will be installed into venues in Sunderland city centre. Each of these venues will be featured on our free map which is available to download from our website, and a limited amount available from some of the venues. 

This year we have bars, restaurants and retail businesses involved. Additionally, we have a prominent hotel, office building and Sunderland City Council’s City Hall all featuring on our trail exhibiting work.

Who are the artists?

The artworks and performances this year are from northeast based contemporary artists and performance groups. We believe our region has some of the finest early career and well-established artistic practitioners and it is our mission to help develop new and existing audiences.

How long does the event run for?

Our 2024 event will run for two weeks. There will be an opening event on the 5th of July in Sunniside and will run through to the 21st July

When is the trail open?

Because our trail involves many different types of venues, the opening hours of where you can view the artworks will depend on each venue so, please refer to the opening hours ahead of time. The normal opening hours for each venue will not change as a result of taking part in the event. 

Is any of the work for sale and how do I pay for it?

Some work on the trail will be for sale and some will not, but this will be clearly obvious at each venue. Some venues will be happy to take payment for artworks and some artist will prefer to take payment direct and again, this information will be available at each venue.

How has Sunderland Arts and Culture Trial 2024 been funded and who runs it?

Our 2024 event has been developed by Dale hardy (project manager) and Su Devine (project co-ordinator).

This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and we have worked closely with Sunderland BID to develop and deliver out project.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund: prospectus - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Anything else to consider?

Please make sure you are appropriately dressed for the walking trail and please check the weather forecast. As some venues will open while others are closed, you may wish to plan your route and to see all the artworks you may wish to do the trail over more than one visit. 

We kindly ask you to respect the artworks by not touching and please remember that the host venues operate as a business and/or cultural/heritage venue which have their usual customers and staff members who are not employed as part of Sunderland Arts and Culture Trail 2024.

If you would like any further information please don't hesitate to get in touch!