Sunderland - Creative Development Events
Hi all, Jay here 🥰
Welcome to the Sunderland - Creative Development Events section of the ArtyParti website.
Here, you’ll find a range of events covering a range of disciplines, all focused on creative activities, creative practice development, or where meeting other creatives in the area is part of the experience.
Scroll down to see Sunderland-based events, separated by month.
This is a living document, with new events and organisations added over time. If you know about anything that’s not included that you’d like to add, please shoot me an email to JaySykesMedia@gmail.com
Mondays
Washington Library - Knit & Natter
10am-12pm - Washington Library - Free
Washington's weekly Knit and Natter group, meet on site every Monday at 10am for 2 hours. Craft together, share ideas and have a chat with a warm and friendly group.
Tuesdays
Arts Centre Washington - One Voice Community Choir
5:30-7pm - Arts Centre Washington - £5
Develop your singing ability, perform at community events and meet like minded people in a friendly and supportive environment. No audition necessary and all levels of experience welcome.
Wednesdays
Arts Centre Washington - B#s Community Choir
10-11:30am - Arts Centre Washington - £5
Develop your singing ability, perform at community events and meet like minded people in a friendly and supportive environment. No audition necessary and all levels of experience welcome.
The Art Room Sunderland - Wednesday Watercolours
10am-12pm - The Art Room Sunderland - £10 per session
Come to the art room and join Kerry Cooke for the Wednesday watercolours sessions. All materials are included. Each week is a different topic, so there will something for everyone to paint. Dates for the next block are: September 9th, 16th, 23th, 30th, October 6th, and 13th. If there are any you can’t make, please email Kerry and she can send you a separate booking link.
Fe Duncan - Free Art Drop-In Sessions
10am-1pm - Diego’s Joint - £1 suggested donation
A flexible art-group - come and go as you please. Tutorials provided by illustrator Fe Duncan, with one-to-one advice if you need it. All resources are free.
UoS Creatives Society - Creative Collab
2:30-4pm - Port Independent - Free
A welcoming creative get-together, providing a chilled space for creative collaboration, discussion, and feedback on your projects. It’s informal and perfect for anyone who wants to make progress on your practice, be inspired, or study / work alongside others. Starting Wednesday 7th October.
Thursdays
The Art Room Sunderland - Sketching & Drawing Classes
10am-12pm - The Art Room Sunderland - £10 per session
A drawing & sketching course designed to make you fall in love with drawing again, led by art teacher Kerry Cooke. Refreshments and all materials are included. Each week is a different topic, so there will something for everyone to paint. Dates for the next block are: September 10th, 17th, 24th, October 1st, 8th, and 15th. If there are any you can’t make, please email Kerry and she can send you a separate booking link.
Fe Duncan - Free Art Drop-In Sessions
10am-1pm - Hope4All, St Thomas Church, Pennywell - £1 suggested donation
A flexible art-group - come and go as you please. Tutorials provided by illustrator Fe Duncan, with one-to-one advice if you need it. All resources are free.
Links for Life - Life Without Limits (Drama)
11am-12pm - Carnival House - Free
Life Without Limits is a welcoming programme of creative sessions for adults with learning disabilities, designed to build confidence, encourage self-expression, and create opportunities to connect with others in a supportive environment. Sessions are relaxed, inclusive, and open to all — no experience needed. Our Expressive Arts (Drama) is a fun and engaging class where participants explore drama, storytelling, and group activities. Through games and shared experiences, the session supports communication, imagination, and confidence, all while having fun in a friendly and encouraging space.
Atlas Theatre Company - Community Company
6:30-8:30pm - Theatre Space North East - £6.50 per week
A welcoming, creative community where you can build confidence, meet new people, and experience the excitement of performing. Atlas’ inclusive Community Company brings together adults of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels; whether you’re a seasoned performer, or have never stepped foot on stage before. Book 2 free taster sessions to see if we’re a good fit for you.
Fridays
Harbour Studios CIC - Glass & Ceramics Friday
10am-12pm - Port Independent - Free
Catch up and meet fellow glass and ceramics makers, share what you’re working on, and spend a couple of hours together. An informal chance to hear more about the plans, find out what’s happening, and have conversations about the future of glass and ceramics in Sunderland.
Links for Life - Crafts (Adults with Learning Disabilities)
10am-12pm - Carnival House - £7.95
A relaxed and friendly session designed especially for adults with learning disabilities. Enjoy a welcoming space where you can unwind, socialise, and express your creativity at your own pace. Whether you’re chatting with new friends, enjoying a slice of cake, or creating something special to take home, these sessions are all about feeling comfortable, included, and inspired. Expect laughter, connection, and a supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to be themselves.
Royalty Theatre - Social Nights
8:30pm - Royalty Theatre - Free
Weekly social nights for performers, directors, and friends / supporters of Royalty Theatre - taking place in our bar and social space.
Weekly Events 🎨🎉🎙️
November 2026 🎨🎉🎙️
Tue 3rd
Sunderland Museum - Threads
1-3pm - Culture House - Free
Threads is a social, self-help group working with yarn and fabric and a variety of textile techniques: knitting, crochet, rag-rug and hand sewing. The group meets monthly to work on individual projects and share their skills. You can bring your own textile project along and everyone is welcome to drop in and chat.
Featherbed Books - Author Visit: Elle Blair
5:30-6:30pm - Featherbed Books - Free
The Featherbed Floozies welcomes Newcastle author Elle Blair to chat and discuss her debut thriller, In Deep Water. A murder at sea. One detective. No backup.
Creative Workshops NE CIC - Writing as a Visual Act
6pm-8pm - Featherbed Books - Various Ticket Prices
You will be introduced to the Calligram – a text piece, in which words are arranged to visually express the subject/ meaning of the text. Participants will be guided through a series of playful writing exercises and invited to experiment with a range of typographical devices to produce their own calligram.
Wed 4th
Sunderland Literacy Aid - Book Giveaway
Daytime - Sunderland Train Station - Free
Plenty of books to choose from; including fiction, children’s books, and lots more. Everything is completely free, so come along, have a browse, meet the Sunderland Literacy Aid team, and take home whatever catches your eye.
North East Business & IP Centre - Culture House Business Brunch: Grow Your Business
10am-1pm - Culture House - Free
An informal business brunch, focussing on business growth and profitability, and showcasing the local support available for anyone looking to grow their business. Whether your business needs some help to stay afloat or is looking to expand and increase in profit, you will take away plenty of useful advice from this session. In addition to introducing some of the free support services for businesses in Sunderland, we will be hearing from three Experts-in-Residence.
6-8pm - Ship Isis - Free
A monthly writers group, held the first Wednesday of every month by Sunderland-based writer James Whitman.
Between the Lines - Book Club
7-8:30pm - WEAR. - £5
Twice-monthly book club at WEAR. café. Seats are limited; please message to book your place.
Thu 5th
Sunderland Literacy Aid - Book Giveaway
Daytime - Sunderland Train Station - Free
Plenty of books to choose from; including fiction, children’s books, and lots more. Everything is completely free, so come along, have a browse, meet the Sunderland Literacy Aid team, and take home whatever catches your eye.
Sunderland Angry Women
6-8pm - Diego’s Joint - Free
Curious about your community? Want to meet like-minded women? Are you a woman* between 16-years-old and 100+-years-old? We meet the first Thursday of every month for a natter, and to put the world to rights. As well as discussions, we’re banner-making for events that matter to us, and are developing a plan for up-cycling clothing. Contact FeDuncanIllustrates@icloud.com if you would like to attend. * ALL women.
Sat 7th
Art Café - Art, Craft & Graze Market
10am-3pm - Sunderland Train Station - Free
A market of local artists, makers, and food producers. Come along and explore a vibrant mix of local art, handmade crafts, and delicious treats all in one creative, community-driven space. Whether you're looking for something unique, tasty, or beautifully crafted, there'll be plenty to discover. On every second Saturday of the month.
Tue 10th
Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens
- Heritage Talk: Women’s Work at Pyrex
1-2pm - Culture House - Free
Sophie Piper is a photographer and PHD researcher exploring the hidden photographic histories of women’s work in twentieth century Sunderland, in collaboration with Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. In this talk, Sophie will describe how her research into the Historic England archive introduced her to the work of photographer Eileen ‘Dusty’ Deste who documented women’s work at the Pyrex factory in Sunderland. Sophie is now collaborating with women who worked at Pyrex to expand and enrich the story of women’s work, using the work of Deste as inspiration. Booking required.
Creative Workshops NE CIC - Inclusive Life Drawing
6-8pm - Port Independent - Pay What You Feel
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or season artist, you’re welcome to join us for an inclusive life drawing session in a relaxing and encouraging environment with gentle guidance from a tutor. Materials provided. Refreshments available.
Between the Lines - Book Club
7-8:30pm - WEAR. - £5
Twice-monthly book club at WEAR. café. Seats are limited; please message to book your place.
Wed 11th
ArtyParti - ‘Sunderland Scratch’
6-9pm - Port Independent - £5 (+VAT)
(Includes a +1. Free for our ‘Friend’ & ‘Bestie’ supporters on Patreon)
Bringing together scriptwriters & screenwriters to read work-in-progress, script-in-hand, for feedback and development. Join our critically supportive community to enhance your writing craft.
Thu 12th
Arts Centre Washington - Spotlight: ‘Belonging’
6-8pm - Arts Centre Washington - Free
‘Spotlight': Belonging’ will celebrate the breadth and diversity of artistic talent across the region; inviting artists to explore ideas of identity, community, place, connection and home through their work. Artists based anywhere in the North East are invited to submit their work; applications are free and must be received by 5pm on Thursday 15th October.
King Ink CIC - Spoken Word Open Mic
6-9pm* - Pop Recs - Free
A monthly open mic for poets and spoken word performers.
* Doors open at 6pm, the open mic begins at 7pm.
Fri 13th
ArtyParti - Processing: Art-Making for Mental Wellbeing
6-9pm - Port Independent - £15 (+VAT)
(Free for our ‘Bestie’ supporters on Patreon)
A series of workshops focused on creativity as a wellbeing activity, delivered by Dima Jafar of Pathways Therapy. We’ll be exploring ways that you can integrate creative activities into your everyday life that benefit you and your mental wellbeing. All materials provided.
Royalty Theatre - New Members Night
7:30pm - Royalty Theatre - Free
New Members Night is for all our new or potential members. If you would like to be part of the theatre and volunteer with us, this is the perfect chance to have a look around, meet existing members, and get to know more about each role.
Sun 15th
ArtyParti - Queer Art Market
10am-2pm - Chapter 13 Books - Free
Showcasing work by queer artists and creatives living in Sunderland. Expect a range of art; from canvases to miniatures, calligraphy to greeting cards, lino prints to original novels. Join us to find joyful gifts, unique items for your home, or to support members of Sunderland’s creative community.
Pink Collar Gallery - Art Goss Zine Club
12-2pm - Port Independent - £5 (+VAT)
A relaxed, creative zine-making session where we learn about women artists throughout art history in a completely different way. Each session, we’ll spin the Art Goss wheel to randomly select the woman artist we’ll focus on. You’ll be given handouts with facts, stories and information about her life and work, then you’ll create a page inspired by what you’ve learned. You can draw, paint, collage, stitch, write, print or use whatever creative approach you like to tell her story. At the end of the session, everyone’s pages will be brought together to create that session’s Art Goss Zine. You’ll get a copy to take home, collect and share with others — creating a growing series of zines celebrating women artists and finding a more creative, accessible way to learn about art history. No previous art history knowledge or zine-making experience is needed.
Tue 17th
Creative Workshops NE CIC - World-Building / Map-Making
6-8pm - Port Independent - Various Ticket Prices
Participants will explore world-building though map making as an art form. Using real and fantasy examples, participants will be given tools and a helpful structure to begin creating fantasy worlds through map-making. This session is for everyone interested in fantasy worlds, and can be used as a prop for collaborative games like D&D or solo writing.
Thu 19th
Sunderland Lit & Phil Society - A Look Back at the National Year of Reading
6:30-9pm* - Pop Recs - £10
2026 has been the National Year of Reading as part of the Government's efforts to improve Literacy across Britain. Join us as we examine and discuss Sunderland Readers' trends this year with our panel of experts, and wrap up 2026 with our final panel of the year! * Doors open at 6:30pm, the panel begins at 7pm.
New Writing North - Adele Parks: Eyes On You
6:30-7:30pm* - Culture House - £12
Bestselling novelist Adele Parks comes to Culture House Sunderland to talk about her stellar writing career and her latest psychological thriller: Eyes On You. Chaired by Vic Watson, Bay Tales.
Fri 20th
Pink Collar Gallery - Art Goss Talk: Let’s Go Loco for Rococo - Drama, Decadence, and the French Revolution
6-8pm - Port Independent - £10 (+VAT)
After the violent drama of Baroque art, art history takes a shift into pastels, florals, and decadence. This month’s session dives into the world of Rococo art. We’ll be looking at the sex, scandal, and love for lavish things that inspired the style. And the impact of France's political upheaval on art history.
7pm - Diego’s Joint - £5
Monthly spoken word and music night in Sunderland, hosted by Gary The Hat. Provides a stage for people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities.
Creative Seed / The Ceramic Cabin - Sip & Ceramics
7-10pm - Carnival House - £19.95
You’ll choose your own ceramic piece to paint - from mugs and plates, to decorative keepsakes - and spend the evening bringing it to life with colour, pattern, and your own personal style. Whether you’re feeling bold and bright, or soft and subtle, you’ll leave having created something completely unique (and completely yours). Your first drink is included, delicious food is available to order all night, and you’ll be creating under the twinkly fairy lights in our gorgeous space. It’s the perfect mix of cosy and creative.
Sat 21st
Art Café - Art, Craft & Graze Market
10am-3pm - Sunderland Train Station - Free
A market of local artists, makers, and food producers. Come along and explore a vibrant mix of local art, handmade crafts, and delicious treats all in one creative, community-driven space. Whether you're looking for something unique, tasty, or beautifully crafted, there'll be plenty to discover. On every second Saturday of the month.
Arts Centre Washington - Christmas Craft and Makers Fair
10am-3pm - Arts Centre Washington - Free
Enjoy a wonderful selection of stalls, pop up performances, workshops, and much more, all under one roof. A great day out for the whole family.
Sun 22nd
We Make Culture - Young Musician’s Project Winter Social
12:30-3pm* - Pop Recs / Sonny’s Coffee & Kitchen - £4 (+VAT)
Join us for a fun filled afternoon of great music, great people, and great pizza. Doors open from 12:30pm, with performances from 1-3pm.
Harbour Studios CIC - A Taste of Harbour: Clothes Swap
2-5pm - Port Independent - £4 (+VAT)
A relaxed taster event where you can meet the Harbour team, get involved in something creative, and find out more about the workshops, memberships, facilities and opportunities we’re developing. The main event is our Clothes Swap: Bring along good-quality clothes you no longer wear and swap them for something new-to-you. It’s a simple way to refresh your wardrobe, give clothes a second life and have a bit of fun without spending loads.
Tue 24th
Creative Workshops NE CIC - Clay Idols
6-8pm - Port Independent - Various Ticket Prices
In this workshop designed for beginners, you will be led by artist Bethany Stead to make your own idols, talismans and votives using air-dry clay. Under Bethany’s guidance, you will learn foundational building and decoration techniques to make small objects and sculptures inspired by historical artefacts, that can be used to inspire, guide or protect you.
Reel Creatives - ‘The Hub’
6:30pm* - 3 Stories - Free
Meet local filmmakers and creatives, watch member work, and talk through ideas in a friendly room. It is free to attend; please create an account and mark whether you are coming. * Doors open at 6:30pm, event starts at 7pm.
Thu 26th
Sunderland Lit & Phil Society - Discussion Evenings
6-8:30pm - Port Independent - £3
Collaborative discussions in response to this month’s topic.
King Ink CIC - ‘Poet’s Corner’
7-9pm - Bridge Hotel - Free
A monthly poetry discussion group.
Fri 27th
ArtyParti - Paint By Chords
6-9pm - Port Independent - £15 (+VAT)
(Free for our ‘Bestie’ supporters on Patreon)
A live podcast recording where you are invited to a unique music & art experience. Be inspired by a live music performance, whilst putting brush to canvas. Canvases and paints are provided.
Sat 28th
ArtyParti - Queer Art Market
10am-5pm - Port Independent - Free
Showcasing work by queer artists and creatives living in Sunderland. Expect a range of art; from canvases to miniatures, calligraphy to greeting cards, lino prints to original novels. Join us to find joyful gifts, unique items for your home, or to support members of Sunderland’s creative community.
17Nineteen Society - Christmas Fayre
11am-4pm - 17Nineteen - Free
Join the 17Nineteen Society for yet another fantastic fayre in our Georgian church. This Christmas soak in the atmosphere and get into the spirit of the season here at Seventeen Nineteen in Old Sunderland.
December 2026 🎨🎉🎙️
Tue 1st
Sunderland Museum - Threads
1-3pm - Culture House - Free
Threads is a social, self-help group working with yarn and fabric and a variety of textile techniques: knitting, crochet, rag-rug and hand sewing. The group meets monthly to work on individual projects and share their skills. You can bring your own textile project along and everyone is welcome to drop in and chat.
ArtyParti - Writer’s Unblock
6-9pm - Chapter 13 Books - £5 (+VAT)
(Includes a +1. Free for our ‘Friend’ & ‘Bestie’ supporters on Patreon)
A writing group with a twist - framed around a podcast recording + informal networking, we invite writers of any discipline to get together - to discuss practice, solve problems, and collaborate together as a critically supportive community.
Wed 2nd
6-8pm - Ship Isis - Free
A monthly writers group, held the first Wednesday of every month by Sunderland-based writer James Whitman.
Thu 3rd
Sunderland Angry Women
6-8pm - Diego’s Joint - Free
Curious about your community? Want to meet like-minded women? Are you a woman* between 16-years-old and 100+-years-old? We meet the first Thursday of every month for a natter, and to put the world to rights. As well as discussions, we’re banner-making for events that matter to us, and are developing a plan for up-cycling clothing. Contact FeDuncanIllustrates@icloud.com if you would like to attend. * ALL women.
Between the Lines - Book Club
7-8:30pm - WEAR. - £5
Twice-monthly book club at WEAR. café. Seats are limited; please message to book your place.
Sat 5th
Sunderland Literacy Aid - Book Giveaway
Daytime - Sunderland Train Station - Free
Plenty of books to choose from; including fiction, children’s books, and lots more. Everything is completely free, so come along, have a browse, meet the Sunderland Literacy Aid team, and take home whatever catches your eye.
Art Café - ‘Art, Craft & Graze Market’
10am-3pm - Sunderland Train Station - Free
A market of local artists, makers, and food producers. Come along and explore a vibrant mix of local art, handmade crafts, and delicious treats all in one creative, community-driven space. Whether you're looking for something unique, tasty, or beautifully crafted, there'll be plenty to discover. On every second Saturday of the month.
Sun 6th
Sunderland Literacy Aid - Book Giveaway
Daytime - Sunderland Train Station - Free
Plenty of books to choose from; including fiction, children’s books, and lots more. Everything is completely free, so come along, have a browse, meet the Sunderland Literacy Aid team, and take home whatever catches your eye.
Tue 8th
Creative Workshops NE CIC - Inclusive Life Drawing
6-8pm - Port Independent - Pay What You Feel
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or season artist, you’re welcome to join us for an inclusive life drawing session in a relaxing and encouraging environment with gentle guidance from a tutor. Materials provided. Refreshments available.
Between the Lines - Book Club
7-8:30pm - WEAR. - £5
Twice-monthly book club at WEAR. café. Seats are limited; please message to book your place.
Thu 10th
ArtyParti - Show & Tell
6-9pm - Port Independent - £5 (+VAT)
(Includes a +1. Free for our ‘Friend’ & ‘Bestie’ supporters on Patreon)
A live podcast recording where artists & creatives of any discipline are invited to share their work & projects. We discuss and celebrate that work together. We'd love for you to join us - whether as artist, or audience.
King Ink CIC - ‘Spoken Word Open Mic’
6-9pm* - Pop Recs Free
A monthly open mic for poets and spoken word performers.
* Doors open at 6pm, the open mic begins at 7pm.
Fri 11th
University of Sunderland - Book Launch: Cyberpunk 2077: Cyborg Bodies, Community, and Culture
1-2pm - Culture House - Free
Join us in person to celebrate the launch of Cyberpunk 2077: Cyborg Bodies, Community, and Culture! The book launch will include a Q&A with the author Dr. Stephanie Farnsworth, and an opportunity to have a copy of the book signed on purchase. Cyberpunk 2077: Cyborg Bodies, Community, and Culture investigates why the CD Projekt Red video game Cyberpunk 2077 has proven immensely popular and has been hailed as a dystopian warning, and why the subgenre of cyberpunk is going through a period of resurgence not seen since the 1980s.
Tue 15th
Creative Workshops NE CIC - Intro to Chainmail Jewellery
6-8pm - Port Independent - Various Ticket Prices
A hands on introduction to the art of chainmail through jewellery making. Participants will learn two approachable chainmail weaves, explore chain-based jewellery-making tools and techniques, and leave with their own handmade helm chain piece, customised with charms and gems.
Thu 17th
Sunderland Lit & Phil Society - Annual Yuletide Quiz
6:30-9pm - Port Independent - £1
You're invited to our final event of the year, a quiz loosely based on our discussions throughout the year. It's some fun to see out the year, with some classic British competitive-fun- who will win the Wooden Spoon this year? * Doors open at 6:30pm, the panel begins at 7pm.
Fri 18th
7pm - Diego’s Joint - £5
Monthly spoken word and music night in Sunderland, hosted by Gary The Hat. Provides a stage for people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities.
Sat 19th
Art Café - ‘Art, Craft & Graze Market’
10am-3pm - Sunderland Train Station - Free
A market of local artists, makers, and food producers. Come along and explore a vibrant mix of local art, handmade crafts, and delicious treats all in one creative, community-driven space. Whether you're looking for something unique, tasty, or beautifully crafted, there'll be plenty to discover. On every second Saturday of the month.
Tue ???
Reel Creatives - ‘The Hub’
6:30pm* - 3 Stories - Free
Meet local filmmakers and creatives, watch member work, and talk through ideas in a friendly room. It is free to attend; please create an account and mark whether you are coming. * Doors open at 6:30pm, event starts at 7pm.
January 2027 🎨🎉🎙️
Tue 5th
Sunderland Museum - Threads
1-3pm - Culture House - Free
Threads is a social, self-help group working with yarn and fabric and a variety of textile techniques: knitting, crochet, rag-rug and hand sewing. The group meets monthly to work on individual projects and share their skills. You can bring your own textile project along and everyone is welcome to drop in and chat.
Wed 6th
6-8pm - Ship Isis - Free
A monthly writers group, held the first Wednesday of every month by Sunderland-based writer James Whitman.
Wed 20th
ArtyParti - Sunderland Scratch
6-9pm - Port Independent - £5 (+VAT)
(Includes a +1. Free for our ‘Friend’ & ‘Bestie’ supporters on Patreon)
Bringing together scriptwriters & screenwriters to read work-in-progress, script-in-hand, for feedback and development. Join our critically supportive community to enhance your writing craft.