Artist, and Festival Organiser & Director Su Devine tours us around the Sunderland Art Festival in Sunniside Gardens.
It’s our most jam-packed episode of ArtyParti yet; we’ll hear the voices of over thirty artists, creatives, stall-holders, performers, and visitors - as well as performances by Houghton Brass band, magician Chris Cross, drumming workshops led by Sacred Sounds (Drummers), and spoken word poetry by members of King Ink CIC.
They’re all brought together for the ‘Sunderland Art Festival’ - the final of three art festivals that took place throughout summer and early Autumn in Sunniside Gardens. We’ll hear why festivals like this matter; not just for providing the residents of Sunderland access to arts, crafts, spoken word, performances, and creative experiences, but bringing together a community of creators in the heart of the city centre.
The vibrancy and buzz of the festival was incredible to be part of; a credit to Su Devine and her team of volunteers.
Release Date: Thursday 21st November 2025
A Jay Sykes Media podcast
Artists & creatives featured in this episode:
Su Devine - Artist / Festival Organiser & Director
Adam Abdulrehman - Software Engineer
Michael Alexander - Mental Health Therapist
Mayowa Akande - Photographer
Victoria Armstrong - Living Statue, Statuesque Physical Arts
Graham Bowes - Curator, working with Su Devine
Lina Buffington - Nonprofit Leader, MA Ceramics
Joe Cooke - Actor, Atlas Theatre Company
Andrea Clayson - Co-Director & Co-Founder, Sunshine Cooperative
Chris Cross - The Great Magician of the North
Luke Duffy - Writer / Actor, Atlas Theatre Company
Ed Davis - Helper, King Ink Young Voices
Francis Edwards - Jewellery Maker, Handmade by Fae
Olayiwola Fajorin - Minister, RCCG Livingpraise Sunderland
Hannah Graham - Story Teller, Illustrator
Mel Graham - UoS art student, Curator, working with Su
Jeanet Ingwersen - Handmade Scandinavian Potter
King Ink Young Voices - Amy, Ava, & William
Wendy Kitching - Textile Artist, Baroque Bags
Auburn Langley - Director, Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
Ian Law - Production Management (Film & T.V.)
Lucy Lax - Learning & Engagement Manager, National Glass Centre
Abi Lloyd - Music & Drama Teacher / Director, Atlas Theatre Company CIC
Lian Maltas - Poet / Centre Manager, St. Luke’s Neighbourhood Trust
Debrah Perry - Artist
Kath Price - Textile Artist
Gerard Purvis - Director, Harbour Printworks CIC
Renegade Penguin (Hels)
Victoria Richardson - Marketing & Engagement Projects, Sunderland BID
Frank Styles - Spray Paint Mural Artist
Melanie Thornton - Deputy Mayor of the City of Sunderland
Phil Wardle - Poet, Just Think Phil
Claire Wayman - Co-Director & Co-Founder, Sunshine Cooperative
James Whitman - Writer & Podcaster / Project Manager, King Ink CIC
Helen Wilkinson - Poet / Director, King Ink CIC
Aaron Wright - Poet & Creative Performer
Naim Zuki - Fashion Photographer