Nibbles to share

Across six artist-led commissions in 2025–26, Nibbles engaged more than 430 participants and audiences through workshops, performances, screenings and sharing events. Projects included songwriting with allotment communities, spoken word, theatre and scriptwriting, LGBTQ+ storytelling, recovery-focused conversations on gambling, and mens wellbeing-led conversations.

Highlights included 10 songwriting workshops and celebration events involving 138 people, Poetry Soup sessions with 48 participants, scriptwriting and performance activity reaching 94 people, recovery theatre work with 75 participants,  LGBTQ+   family storytelling with 46 participants, and film activity with 38 participants.

Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the programme as welcoming, empowering and life-affirming. People said it helped build confidence, reduce isolation and create a sense of belonging. Comments included: “I felt listened to and valued,” “It brought people together,” and “I’ve discovered a confidence I didn’t know I had.”

The commissions also worked with a wide range of partners including Sunderland Recovery College, Headlight, Family Hubs and local community groups. Artists praised the openness and creativity of participants, describing Nibbles as deeply inspiring, collaborative and energising.

 Artists described the commissions as deeply inspiring, collaborative and creatively energising, with one noting that “the generosity of participants shaped the whole process,” and another saying “these projects remind us how powerful art can be when it starts with people.”