Surprises in store at new North East venue

A major new North East cultural venue is on the lookout for people to create unique moments as part of its first year of activity.

Culture House Sunderland, the new multi-purpose cultural venue opening shortly in Keel Square, is inviting proposals for 100 'surprising' activities.

The team at the venue are looking for artists, performers, makers, community groups and creatives of all kinds - whether professional or not - to become part of the Series of Surprises.

The project will see something 'surprising' happening at 2pm every day for 100 consecutive days at Culture House. Each event will last at least 40 minutes and be open to everyone.

Cllr Ciera Hudspith, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Heritage at Sunderland City Council, said: "This Series of Surprises is a bold and playful way to bring people into the building - potentially for the first time - and see everything it has to offer to the people of Sunderland.

"By working with a wide range of people to provide a variety of events and activities across 100 consecutive days, it will ensure that there is something for everyone and encourage people to come again and again to experience Culture House."

The venue's team is keen to ensure as many people as possible have the chance to run a session, with a small fee available to support delivery of successful commissions which will help ensure Culture House is well connected to the people it serves.

The team are encouraging proposals from amateur groups, community organisations, hobbyists and enthusiasts, first-time creatives, local residents, schools, colleges or informal collectives, as well as professional artists and practitioners.

Anyone who would like to find out more should contact [email protected]. Applications will be considered in two batches, with the deadline for the first being 31 July and the second deadline being 31 August.