Hundreds of creative projects have helped put culture at the heart of communities across a North East city thanks to a special funding.
More than 430 arts, cultural, heritage and creative projects have reached 1.5 million people in Sunderland through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund’s Communities and Place programme.
The Connecting and Catalysing Our Culture, Creativity & Engagement Programme brought together five cultural partners to help people take part, connect and take pride in Sunderland.
Leanne Littlewood, director of Culture House Sunderland and head of cultural services at Sunderland City Council, said: "What began as a programme of collaborative activity has developed into a strong and supportive network.
Award winning - Sunderland Headlight’s Any One Of Us animated film focused on mental health (Image: Supplied)
"The real legacy is not only the activity that has been delivered, but the relationships, knowledge and confidence that have been built across Sunderland’s cultural sector and communities."
The programme funded ceramic and textile workshops, glassmaking, digital creativity sessions, heritage festivals, family activities and animation.
One standout project was Any One of Us, an animation made by Sunderland Headlight participants with artist Scott Tyrell about seeking mental health support.
The film was nominated for a Smiley Award and won a Bronze People’s Choice Award.
The Sunderland Heritage Partnership has also grown, uniting organisations, venues and individuals to promote the city’s heritage.
It delivered major heritage festivals with almost 100 events and created a website promoting Sunderland’s heritage.
As part of Sunderland’s Creative Smart City programme, Culture House Sunderland offered exhibitions, events and activities connecting people of all ages through creativity.
Minerva Arts & Wellbeing used the programme to give more people access to specialist creative learning.
Participants reported improved wellbeing, greater confidence and a stronger sense of belonging.
Sunderland Culture strengthened its digital infrastructure and developed resources for young people, including creative learning packs linking the city’s collections, communities and audiences.
Nick Malyan, chief executive at Sunderland Culture, said: "As the UKSPF programme draws to a close, partners are now looking to build on that legacy through continued collaboration, fundraising, skills development and community-led cultural activity.
"The funding may have reached its conclusion, but the partnerships, skills and creative confidence it has helped build are set to continue shaping Sunderland’s cultural future.
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"We’re very grateful for the generous UKSPF support which has helped this powerful partnership support Wearside communities through a range of quality events, workshops and activities."
Independent evaluator Dr Phillipa Carter found the programme had reached communities across Sunderland, with participants reporting better wellbeing, greater confidence and pride in their work.
The Cultural Spring’s A Space to Create brought together artwork made by communities across Sunderland, showing what people can achieve with the chance and support to explore their creativity.