How artists can showcase their work at a top Sunderland hotel

A fine art gallery in Sunderland has teamed up with a top hotel to showcase and sell its artists’ work.

24 North East gallery, which opened in Fawcett Street last year, has teamed up with Hilton Garden Inn next to the Stadium of Light to bring the work of the artist collective to a wider audience.

The hotel is now displaying artwork on its walls on a regular basis - and the first exhibition is already proving a success, with guests buying the original pieces to take home.

The hotel is currently showcasing work by Sunderland artist Chris Cummings, whose work is inspired by SAFC, the city and its former industries.

The football-themed paintings have been a huge hit with visitors to the hotel, many of whom have purchased them as a souvenir of their stay.

Ken Devine, one of the founders of Twenty-Four North East’s Fawcett Street Gallery, said the opportunity for artists to exhibit at the hotel was very exciting.

“The hotel has so many visitors which means the art is seen by a constantly changing audience,” said Ken, who started off his career as a fine art picture framer.

“We started Twenty-Four North East to give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work and now working with the hotel means we can give them another outlet along with the gallery.”

Gareth Freeman, General Manager of Sunderland Hilton Garden Inn, said the art has been a real hit.

“It’s a real talking point among our guests and of course if they go on to buy a piece then that’s fantastic for everyone,” he said.

“The hotel likes to support the local community in any way it can and being able to display the work of local artist not only helps them but also offers something unique and interesting for our visitors.”