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Jobs & Opportunities
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Creative Opportunities
We are looking to connect with artists across a range of disciplines to work with young people, teachers and schools as part of the Culture Start programme.
We welcome interest from artists working in forms including music, dance, theatre, visual arts, writing, digital media and design, among others. We are expanding our pool of artists for both short taster sessions and longer-term projects.
Selected artists will be invited to attend an introduction session on Wednesday 6 May, 4:30–7:30pm at Arts Centre Washington. As part of the session, artists will be asked to deliver a short (5–8 minute) activity that reflects their practice. A fee of £60 and refreshments will be provided. Attendance is by invitation following application.
Culture Start is a citywide programme supporting children and young people from low-income families in Sunderland to access high-quality creative and cultural opportunities, improving confidence, skills and future pathways.
At a glance
Fee: £60
Location: Arts Centre Washington
Date: Wednesday, 6th May, 4:30pm-7:30pm
We are seeking to commission an artist to work with young people and the project teams to collaboratively design and install a mural on an outdoor structure/s at Rainton Meadows as part of the Green Spaces, Shared Places project.
The Green Spaces, Shared Places team are in the process of developing a co-produced touring exhibition with young people from Sunderland. This will be the first of two touring exhibitions being developed by the Green Spaces, Shared Places network during the programme period from 2025 to 2030.
In anticipation of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens being closed in spring 2027 for a redevelopment project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the tour will be based at Durham Wildlife Trust’s headquarters, Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve, and will involve working with young people and communities from the Coalfields area of the city.
This mural commission is focused around the Rainton Meadows Nature Park strand of the project. The artist will work with the Rainton Meadows Conservation Rangers (14–18-year-olds), the Durham Wildlife Trust team, the Rainton community and the Green Spaces, Shared Places team to collaboratively design and install a mural on an outdoor structure or structures at Rainton Meadows.
At a glance
Contract: Freelance
Fee: £3000 (including travel and VAT)
Location: Rainton Meadows Nature Reserve
Deadline: 10 April 2026
Sunderland Culture’s Creative Work Experience programme is back and open for applications.
Young people aged 15-18 and interested in pursuing a career in the arts sector are invited to apply.
Our work experience programme provides an innovative insight into the cultural world with a full programme of activities that will enable you to develop your skills, build confidence and learn more about the variety of career opportunities available in the arts sector.
Placements dates:
Spring – Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 April
Summer – Tuesday 14 – Friday 17 July
Application deadlines:
Spring – 27 February
Summer – 29 May
Vacancies
Sunderland is changing fast – new venues, bold events, and big ideas are reshaping our city. And we need you to be part of it.
City Volunteers is a new way to get involved in Sunderland’s transformation. Apply once, take part in free, high-quality training, and you’ll join a network of volunteers who get exclusive opportunities direct from partners across the city.
You choose the events that fit your time and interests – from the city’s big moments like the Keel Square fireworks to music festivals, markets, sporting events and more.