University of Sunderland student lands dream role at Culture House
A University of Sunderland student who travelled to the UK to pursue a career in the arts has landed his dream role in one of the city's new landmarks.
Sullivan (Sully) Alenezi-Bonney has started working at Culture House – which is home to the university’s Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA) – as a gallery learning facilitator.
The 27-year-old masters student designs, coordinates and delivers educational programmes that connect diverse audiences, from school groups and families to adults.
He is also responsible for safeguarding visitors and making sure that both the artwork and the public are safe during the day.
Sully, who travelled from his home in Kuwait to study in the UK, said: “I'm thrilled to have this position at the NGCA.
“The art and culture scene in Sunderland is growing and flourishing every year.”
He continued: "Culture House Sunderland is a strong sign of the development of the city and the potential for the area's future and its people.”
Sully has been living in the UK since he was 18 and learned to speak English while living in Brighton.
He achieved an undergraduate degree in graphic design in Leeds before starting his master’s degree at Sunderland in 2025.
Sully said: “Since moving to Sunderland after meeting my partner, who lives in the North East, I have found the city to have such a kind, diverse and vibrant community that support and stand by you.”
He continued: “Now nearing the end of my master's, I am very pleased to have joined the course and met so many passionate and talented people.
"Leaving home was scary and a big step but I can proudly say that Sunderland is like home to me, and witnessing all this development in the city makes me incredibly happy.”
Nick Lewis, senior lecturer in illustration, animation and games art at the University of Sunderland, said: "It's been a genuine pleasure to work with Sully who is such a creative, motivated and talented individual who champions art through his create practice and his encouragement of others.
“I'm so pleased he has found a position at Culture House Sunderland that sees him apply his skills in a way that will benefit him, Culture House Sunderland and the people of Sunderland."