Family art packs for Wearsiders without internet access in Lockdown

The Cultural Spring’s latest project is aimed at adults, specifically from the Doxford and Silksworth areas, who are keen to engage with arts activities but, for whatever reason, don’t have online access.

The project is being delivered by artist Kerry Cook, from The Art Room Sunderland. Kerry is currently preparing art packs, complete with all the materials needed, to post out to participants.

Kerry explained: “Our postal art project will run from February until May and every fortnight I’ll post out the packs to participants. Over five sessions, we’ll look at urban landscapes, self-portraits, sketching and drawing, creative writing, drawing with stitch, and collage.

“Each parcel will contain warm-ups, step-by-step visual guides and suggested activities to accompany the parcel and keep participants busy. Project pieces can be as complex or simple as people feel able to do – the project is open to beginners and more experienced artists and crafters.

“The focus will be on our lives and experiences in Sunderland. We will take inspiration from our local landmarks and reflect on the changes our local area has seen over the decades. We will also reflect on living in Sunderland and how we feel about our area. The project aims to focus on the positive and allow participants time to create a unique and meaningful response to their time in lockdown.

“Towards the end of the project, all work will be collected and put into a book for participants to keep as a wonderful memento of their collective creative journey,” added Kerry, who is planning to support participants via telephone calls if necessary.

Cultural Spring Director Emma Horsman said: “While we have been continuing with our range of artistic workshops online, we were very conscious that many people in Sunderland do not have access to the internet.

“We didn’t think it was fair that these people were missing out on the opportunity to take part, so we commissioned local artists, singers and composers to deliver workshops in Sunderland and South Tyneside which don’t need an internet connection. Kerry’s project is

one of these, and we hope it will be popular with people living in Sunderland who have missed previous online opportunities to take part in workshops because they don’t have access to the internet.

“We’re initially looking for adults from the Doxford and Silksworth areas to take part in our workshops, but if there is demand from other areas of Sunderland we hope to accommodate them too.

“I’d like to thank Sunderland City Council and Arts Council England for their support with Kerry’s project.”

Because of the funding, Kerry’s workshops are only available to Sunderland residents.

There is no previous arts experience or level of skill required to join the workshops, and if you’re interested, please contact Emma on 07469 030 256* or via email at [email protected] by Friday February 19, 2021.

*available 10am-5pm Monday – Thursday. If calling outside of these times, please leave a message.

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