Sunderland landmark building hosts latest showcase of artwork

A display which brings together photography and science has gone on show at an iconic Wearside building.
Jo Howell, whose #WearExperimenting exhibition has opened at Mackies Corner.Jo Howell, whose #WearExperimenting exhibition has opened at Mackies Corner.
Jo Howell, whose #WearExperimenting exhibition has opened at Mackies Corner.

The #WearExperimenting project was delivered by Sunderland photographic artist Jo Howell on behalf of the Cultural Spring and co-commissioner the North East Photography Network(NEPN).

The project used a series of experiments to engage as many Wearsiders as possible with photography and science.

Jo Howell, centre, flanked by Emma Scar, left, from the Cultural Spring and Amanda Ritson, right, from NEPN.Jo Howell, centre, flanked by Emma Scar, left, from the Cultural Spring and Amanda Ritson, right, from NEPN.
Jo Howell, centre, flanked by Emma Scar, left, from the Cultural Spring and Amanda Ritson, right, from NEPN.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Now a month-long exhibition of work produced during the project has opened at Mackie’s Corner on the corner of Fawcett Street and High Street West in Sunderland city centre.

Workshops will continue in the Mackie’s Corner space as art works and photographs created by over 1,000 people from Sunderland will be exhibited in the pop-up shop throughoutNovember.

Jo said: “The aim of the project was to explore the cross-over of creativity shared by photography and science and to invite the public to share their experience of life in the city.

"It came from the seed of an idea that I had started with the Look & Inspire pinhole photography project back in 2015.

Artist Jo Howell, centre, with members of the Click Click Club, whose photographers helped the #WearExperimenting project.Artist Jo Howell, centre, with members of the Click Click Club, whose photographers helped the #WearExperimenting project.
Artist Jo Howell, centre, with members of the Click Click Club, whose photographers helped the #WearExperimenting project.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I had started a project taking pinhole photographs of Sunderland, by creating pop-up darkrooms in small spaces across the city.

"The work created through #WearExperimenting is diverse and complex as the many people who came together to create it.

"I have been very privileged to have worked with so many, but it’s not over yet.

“People can still create work with me and the associate artists throughout this month in Mackie’s Corner shop, and you can still post your pictures using #wearexperimenting."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Emma Scarr, project co-ordinator for the Cultural Spring, added: “We are thrilled with the work that Jo has created with the people of Sunderland over the past 6 months.

"Over 1,000 people have experienced the pop up studios and workshops in their communities.

“Even though we are coming to the end of the commission we believe that the positive impact relationships developed over this time will continue to have an impact on these communities.

"We have had great support from community venues and events.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We are very grateful to The Bridges for providing space for Jo to do her pop up events and display her artworks."

Amanda Ritson, programme manager at NEPN, said: “The WearExperimenting project feels like a movement and something with real potential to exist long-after the commission closes, engaging many different groups, inspiring those who may not have previously explored photography in this way and nurturing and connecting with others to help them to extend their skills and find their photographic voice.”

There will also be a free series of workshops programmed for the rest of the month in Mackie’s Corner with a number of sessions with Jo and associate artists supportedthrough the project.

Jo will be offering workshops on cyanotype book-making, creating and using pinhole cameras and photo walks.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There will also be creative writing with James Whitman and poetry with Ian Horn.

Associate artists Ben Freeth, Graham Patterson, Nicola Maxwell and Michael Davidson will also be offering photo-walks, ‘zine-making workshops using photographic prints and a ‘science of seeing’ workshop in which new cameras will be made by participants.

Full details, times and bookings can be found on www.wearexperimenting.co.uk or theculturalspring.org.uk/event/wear-experimenting/

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It comes as the long-term use for the building is considered.

Read More
Read more: Brewery, distillery, shops and hotel among ideas to restore Sunderlan...

Funding for the project has come from NEPN and the Cultural Spring, and has been supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Sunderland Culture have supported the use of Mackie’s Corner through the Great Place programme, which is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund and ACE.

The Cultural Spring is an Arts Council England (ACE) funded project, which aims to increase participation in the arts both in Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Its four partners are the University of Sunderland; the Customs House, South Shields, Sunderland’s Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust and Sangini, a women’shealth organisation.

The project works with five wards in Sunderland and five in South Tyneside.