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.

Across the episode, you’ll hear from the voices of:

• 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 - Artist / Curator, working with Su
• 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 - University of Sunderland art student
• Houghton Brass
• Jeanet Ingwersen - Handmade Scandinavian Potter
• Just Think Phil - Poet & Artist
• 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
• Sacred Sounds (Drummers)
• Frank Styles - Spray Paint Mural Artist
• Melanie Thornton - Deputy Mayor of the City of Sunderland
• 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

More about ArtyParti:
ArtyParti is a twice-monthly podcast, events series, and community platform that celebrates and supports development of the work of artists and creatives. Now an independent podcast, ArtyParti brings artists and creatives together to share about their projects & passions, promote events and exhibitions, and offer insight and advice on developing creative practice. Whether emerging or established, everyone is invited to ArtyParti.

• Website - www.artyparti.com
• Instagram - @ArtyPartiPodcast
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

ArtyParti's 10th Birthday Celebration:
ArtyParti turns 10 years old this year - and we’re holding a 10th Birthday Celebration. It’s on Wednesday 17th December 2025, 6pm-9pm, at our usual venue Port Independent. You are invited - come join us, relax and chill with other artists and creatives. Tickets to this event are free for anyone to attend - hea...