Bright Lights: Youth Arts Festival 2023
21 – 25 February
A week of free workshops, performances and screenings to run
alongside the Bright Lights Youth Arts Exhibition.
All workshops are free and suitable for ages 11-19 year olds unless noted.
Youth Arts Exhibition 2023
2 February – 11 March
Arts Centre Washington’s annual Youth Arts Exhibition will showcase some of the most exciting artwork by young people in Washington and the Greater Sunderland Area.
Stop-Motion Animation
Wednesday 22 February, 10.30am – 12.30pm, Free.
Make a plasticine character come to life using stop motion animation!
An Introduction to Photography
Wednesday 22 February, 1 – 3pm, Free
This workshop will give you the skills to improve your photographs and enhance your knowledge of this historical practice in an innovative media. Participants should bring a smart phone or digital camera if possible.
Washington Youth Theatre Showback
Wednesday 22 February, 6pm, Pay What You Decide
Both youth theatre groups join for an evening of drama including the younger group’s new play ‘Mystiska Världar’ and an interactive Quiz Show!
Collage Techniques
Thursday 23 February, 10.30am – 12.30, Free
Create your own funky insect or bug using recycled papers. You can collage, paint, draw or print your design using an eclectic mix of vintage books, sheet music, wallpaper and more.
Lino Printing
Thursday 23 February, 1 – 3pm, Free
Come and learn the skill of lino printing experimenting with a range of techniques and take home a set of prints as well as your own lino block creation which can be used over and over!
Character Design
Friday 24 February, 10.30 – 12.30pm, Free
Autism + SEN friendly session – A character design workshop with illustrator Jayne Hughes and a reading of her book that has a neurodiverse main character. Find out how to create your own stories and fantastical characters!
How to Get Away With Murder: Crime Writing for Beginners
Friday 24 February, 1 – 3pm, Free
Are you a fan of murder mysteries? Whether its cozy crime or high-adrenaline thrillers this workshop provides a step-by-step introduction to creating memorable detectives and mysteries for them to solve. Suitable for both beginners and the more experienced writers. Ages 13+
Right Track Music Masterclasses
Friday 24th February 10am + 1pm
The music masterclasses will be led by professional musicians and educators, and are designed to inspire young musicians as well as to develop their musicianship
Right Track – Bright Lights for New Sounds
Friday 24 February, 7 – 9pm, Pay what you feel.
Members of ‘Right Track’, a weekly youth music group based at the Arts Centre Washington, perform their new sounds as well as special guest performances by young musicians from The Bunker.
Sound Design and Storytelling Workshop
Saturday 25 February, 10am – 4pm, Free
A free workshop for 13-19 year olds in creative storytelling and sound design using folklore as a focus.
Young Maker’s Market
Saturday 25 February, 11 – 2pm, Free Admission
Stalls selling hand crafted items created by teenage makers including drop in workshops and live music!
Organised with Washington Mind.
Bright Lights Youth Arts Festival is supported by Sunderland City Council’s Washington Area Committee as part of our Creative You Project
