A North East university is strengthening its presence in the cultural sector with plans to open a new creative hub in a landmark city centre venue.
The University of Sunderland is set to launch a new space within Culture House Sunderland, which will become the new home of the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA).
Located on the second floor of the Keel Square building, the space will provide a platform for students and staff to exhibit work, collaborate and showcase creative talent, while also hosting exhibitions from a range of artists.
Professor Kevin Petrie, strategic lead for the Centre for Creative Practice Research, school of media and creative industries at The University of Sunderland, said: “We are working to bring a diverse range of visual art into the NGCA programme.
“My colleagues in our subjects such as fine art and photography, video and digital imaging will also use the new gallery space in teaching sessions and students will have the chance to work alongside the exhibition curator, and in many cases the artists themselves, to learn first-hand about careers and professional practice in visual arts.
“Over the next two years we plan a range of exhibitions of professional artists, academic creative work and student projects.
“This new space will highlight how creativity can challenge, inspire, communicate – and delight.”
Andrea Walters, deputy vice-chancellor operations at The University of Sunderland, added: “By opening this space in Culture House, the University aims to remain central to Sunderland’s ambitious cultural landscape, while also providing enhanced opportunities for students to learn, exhibit, and collaborate in a professional public setting.”
The development has been delivered in partnership with Sunderland Culture and Sunderland City Council, with a focus on creating an accessible and inspiring environment for visitors from across the region.
Nick Malyan, chief executive of Sunderland Culture, added: “NGCA is the longest-established contemporary art gallery in the North East of England.
“For more than half a century, it has brought nationally and internationally significant artists to Sunderland while championing regional and emerging talent.
“A consistent and positive force in the region’s arts ecology, its next chapter at Culture House will connect high-quality contemporary art with an even wider audience.”
Councillor Beth Jones, cabinet member for communities, culture and tourism at Sunderland City Council, added: “Culture House is set to become a real focal point for Sunderland residents and visitors to the city when it opens its doors later this year, and we want to deliver a space that inspires people, with fantastic exhibitions, galleries and interactive digital activity that will stand up on a national and even international stage.
“This will be a place to think, explore and connect at the heart of the city, and having international artists share their work here will bring more footfall into the city centre, delivering a big boost to surrounding leisure, retail and hospitality businesses.”
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