Your chance to be a model citizen and contribute to Sunderland's Tall Ships experience

Get creative and produce your own model boat - that's the challenge to the people of Wearside in a new initiative.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Jan 2018, 05:00 BST
Updated 5th Jan 2018, 08:25 BST
Some of the artwork which has already been produced for the Tall Ships Races project in Sunderland.Some of the artwork which has already been produced for the Tall Ships Races project in Sunderland.
Some of the artwork which has already been produced for the Tall Ships Races project in Sunderland.

A project called Set The Sails is under way in Sunderland as part of the Cultural Spring winter programme and the build-up to the Tall Ships Races.

It encourages people to build their own model boat, to be used as part of The Tall Ships Races when they come to the city this July.

Some of the artwork which has already been produced for the Tall Ships Races project in Sunderland.Some of the artwork which has already been produced for the Tall Ships Races project in Sunderland.
Some of the artwork which has already been produced for the Tall Ships Races project in Sunderland.
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Here are some examples of the work produced so far, but what about having a go for yourself?

Officials said those who do get involved will be exploring Sunderland’s shipbuilding heritage as well as their own boat by experimenting with materials, designs and more - while working with brilliant artists.

As part of the project, workshops are being planned, and the first is next Thursday, January 11.

Artist Chris Folwell will lead the workshop, which will run from 9.30am to 12pm and will include free breakfast.

Councillor John Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, at Sunderland City Council.Councillor John Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, at Sunderland City Council.
Councillor John Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, at Sunderland City Council.
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It will take place at St Marks Church in St Mark’s Terrace, Sunderland, with a suggested £2 voluntary contribution

Another artist, Steph Sykes, will lead a session on Friday, January 12, from 10am until 12.30pm. It will be held at CHANCE, 2 Rickaby Street, Sunderland.

Once again, there is a suggested £2 voluntary contribution.

Coun John Kelly, Sunderland Council portfolio holder for public health, wellness and culture, said: “This project is another fantastic way to get people involved in our preparation for the Tall Ships Races 2018, providing an opportunity to share and demonstrate their creative skills and talents by designing and building their own model boats.

Creative work which is underway as part of the Tall Ships Sunderland 2018 workshops.Creative work which is underway as part of the Tall Ships Sunderland 2018 workshops.
Creative work which is underway as part of the Tall Ships Sunderland 2018 workshops.

“Sunderland has a proud shipbuilding tradition and rich maritime heritage, and we hope people will tap into that when considering their plans for what materials to use and what type of vessel to base their entries on.

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“Our artists Chris Folwell and Steph Sykes will be there at the workshops to provide support and advice, and I’d encourage everyone to come along and get involved.”

Interested people can either turn up at the workshops or contact Michael Barrass on (0191) 427 8197 or 07501 725331.

Related topics:Sunderland