A young person sits at a table in front of a laptop while another young person stands behind them playing an acoustic guitar. Both look at the computer with concentration.

Young People

Develop your creative skills and get involved with cultural activities and groups across the city.

Learn & Create with Sunderland Culture

Bright Lights: Youth Arts Exhibition 2026

Are you an artist aged between 11-19? Do you live in Sunderland, Washington or Houghton-le-Spring? Submit your work to Bright Lights: Youth Arts Exhibition 2026!

Apply now

Bright Lights: Film Shorts Showcase 2026

Are you a filmmaker/animator aged between 11-19? Do you want your film on the big screen? Submit to Bright Lights: Film Shorts Showcase 2026!

Apply now

Washington Emerging 2026

Are you a young musician? Do you want to perform on stage? Apply to take part in Washington Emerging 2026!

Apply now

Arts Centre Washington

A large group of smiling young people stand on a stage in a dark room all holding their left arm out in front of them.

Arts Centre Washington

Regular art, music, film and theatre workshops for young people aged 11-21.

Arts Centre Washington

Celebrate Different Collective

A group of six stand round a table. They are looking at pieces of paper in front of them.

Celebrate Different Collective

Join our Celebrate Different Collective – our young ambassadors’ group for ages 13-25. Plan projects, co-produce and run cultural events, and learn new skills from artists.

Celebrate Different Collective

Future Creatives

A colourful graphic design with a deep purple background. In the center is a large yellow circle with the words

Future Creatives

Create. Connect. Belong.

Unlock a world of creative opportunities, events and insights into Sunderland’s buzzing creative scene with Future Creatives – a vibrant community of young, creative minds aged 13-18 (and up to 25 for those with special education needs and/or disabilities).

Future Creatives

Work Experience

Two young people sit at a reception desk that has 'Welcome' written in white font along the front. The desk is inside a glass walled building.

Work Experience

Are you aged between 15-18 and interested in pursuing a career in the arts sector? Apply now to be a part of the Sunderland Culture 2025 creative work experience programme. We currently accepting applications for the following dates:

Summer: Tuesday 15 – Friday 18 July

Work Experience

Ignite Bursary

Are you a young person living in Sunderland with a passion for creative arts? Do you want to explore your potential but need a little help to follow your dreams? If so, an Ignite Bursary might be perfect for you!

Ignite Bursary

Learn & Create at home

Blackout poetry video tutorial

A book held open to pages that have been painted yellow and decorated with a pattern and cut out of a heart. On the page, certain words have been left uncovered.

Blackout Poetry

Whether you’re wanting to dip a toe into the world of poetry-writing or just looking for a new creative outlet, blackout poetry is great beginners, dabblers or those on the hunt for inspiration.

Blackout poetry video tutorial

Download colouring sheets

Colouring sheet with black outlines of statues and monuments in Mowbray Park, Sunderland

Mindful Mowbray Colouring Sheets

Sometimes we all need a bit of time out and mindful colouring is a great way to stay in the moment and forget our worries for a while. Enjoy these colouring sheets and find out some fascinating facts about statues, sculptures and buildings in Mowbray Park.

Download colouring sheets