Sunderland Art Festival

Artist, and Festival Organiser & Director Su Devine tours us around the Sunderland Art Festival in Sunniside Gardens.It’s our most jam-packed episode of ArtyParti yet; we’ll hear the voices of over thirty artists, creatives, stall-holders, performers, and visitors - as well as performances by Houghton Brass band, magician Chris Cross, drumming workshops led by Sacred Sounds (Drummers), and spoken word poetry by members of King Ink CIC.They’re all brought together for the ‘Sunderland Art Festival’ - the final of three art festivals that took place throughout summer and early Autumn in Sunniside Gardens. We’ll hear why festivals like this matter; not just for providing the residents of Sunderland access to arts, crafts, spoken word, performances, and creative experiences, but bringing together a community of creators in the heart of the city centre.The vibrancy and buzz of the festival was incredible to be part of; a credit to Su Devine and her team of volunteers.Across the episode, you’ll hear from the voices of:Su Devine - Artist / Festival Organiser & DirectorAdam Abdulrehman - Software EngineerMichael Alexander - Mental Health TherapistMayowa Akande - PhotographerVictoria Armstrong - Living Statue, Statuesque Physical ArtsGraham Bowes - Artist / Curator, working with SuLina Buffington - Nonprofit Leader, MA CeramicsJoe Cooke - Actor, Atlas Theatre CompanyAndrea Clayson - Co-Director & Co-Founder, Sunshine CooperativeChris Cross - The Great Magician of the NorthLuke Duffy - Writer / Actor, Atlas Theatre CompanyEd Davis - Helper, King Ink Young VoicesFrancis Edwards -  Jewellery Maker, Handmade by FaeOlayiwola Fajorin - Minister, RCCG Livingpraise SunderlandHannah Graham - Story Teller, IllustratorMel Graham - University of Sunderland art studentHoughton BrassJeanet Ingwersen - Handmade Scandinavian PotterJust Think Phil - Poet & ArtistKing Ink Young Voices - Amy, Ava, & WilliamWendy Kitching - Textile Artist, Baroque BagsAuburn Langley - Director, Sunderland Lit & Phil SocietyIan Law - Production Management (Film & T.V.)Lucy Lax - Learning & Engagement Manager, National Glass CentreAbi Lloyd - Music & Drama Teacher / Director, Atlas Theatre Company CICLian Maltas - Poet / Centre Manager, St. Luke’s Neighbourhood TrustDebrah Perry - ArtistKath Price - Textile ArtistGerard Purvis - Director, Harbour Printworks CICRenegade Penguin (Hels)Victoria Richardson - Marketing & Engagement Projects, Sunderland BIDSacred Sounds (Drummers)Frank Styles - Spray Paint Mural ArtistMelanie Thornton - Deputy Mayor of the City of SunderlandClaire Wayman - Co-Director & Co-Founder, Sunshine CooperativeJames Whitman - Writer & Podcaster / Project Manager, King Ink CICHelen Wilkinson - Poet / Director, King Ink CICAaron Wright - Poet & Creative PerformerNaim Zuki - Fashion PhotographerMore about ArtyParti:ArtyParti is a twice-monthly podcast, events series, and community platform that celebrates and supports development of the work of artists and creatives. Now an independent podcast, ArtyParti brings artists and creatives together to share about their projects & passions, promote events and exhibitions, and offer insight and advice on developing creative practice. Whether emerging or established, everyone is invited to ArtyParti.Website - www.artyparti.comInstagram - @ArtyPartiPodcastBluesky - @ArtyPartiA Jay Sykes Media podcastArtyParti's 10th Birthday Celebration:ArtyParti turns 10 years old this year - and we’re holding a 10th Birthday Celebration. It’s on Wednesday 17th December 2025, 6pm-9pm, at our usual venue Port Independent. You are invited - come join us, relax and chill with other artists and creatives. Tickets to this event are free for anyone to attend - hea...