Current Opportunities
Community Arts Research Opportunity
South Tyneside Community Call Out
Following a successful pilot programme with community organisations in Sunderland (2024–2026), The Cultural Spring is now inviting community groups, voluntary organisations, and social enterprises from South Tyneside to take part in the next phase of our Community Arts Research project.
Through this opportunity we want to bring together communities and artists to explore locally rooted questions, challenges and themes through a co-created process. Each project is shaped by the interests and priorities of the community group involved, working in partnership with an artist to develop ideas through research, conversation and creative practice.
To find out more about the project and how to get involved, please download our Opportunity Brief using the link below. If you wish to be considered for this opportunity, please complete the Expression of Interest form which you can download using the relevant link below.
Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 12 noon, Tues 16th June 2026
Creative People and Places
External Evaluator
The Cultural Spring is part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places (CPP) programme, one of 46 programmes across England, covering 63 local authority areas. Our mission is for arts and culture to be an expected and accepted part of everyone’s lives in Sunderland and South Tyneside.
Our programme works across Sunderland and South Tyneside to increase participation in arts and culture through community-led creative activities.
Our projects don’t just offer opportunities to take part—they support local people to take ownership of creativity. We empower communities to develop, direct and create work themselves, becoming the creators, artists and decision-makers who shape culture in their own communities. This meaningful engagement in the arts has a powerful impact, building confidence, strengthening social connections, and improving mental health and wellbeing.
The Cultural Spring is inviting a freelance evaluator or organisation to apply for the role of External Evaluator for The Cultural Spring Creative People and Places Programme 2026–2029. The Contract will commence in July 2026 and run up to the 31st March 2029.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please download the opportunity brief using the button below. All details regarding how to apply, full application timeline and budget value is included within the document. Contact details for further information, or an informal chat, are also included within the document.
Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Monday 15th June 2026
If you are an artist and feel you would bring positivity and creativity to our communities, why not drop us a message and introduce yourself? We will store your information and let you know of any possible opportunities in the future. Just use the button below to contact us.
Summer Streets Festival
Artist Call Out
The Cultural Spring is seeking two artists / creatives to deliver engaging drop-in creative activities for families and festival audiences as part of Summer Streets Festival on Sunday 5 July 2026.
Summer Streets is a free music, arts and community festival held each summer in Cliffe Park, Roker, Sunderland. The festival celebrates local musicians, artists and communities by bringing together live music, outdoor arts, creative workshops and community activity in an open and welcoming seafront setting.
At The Cultural Spring, we aim to increase access to arts and culture by removing barriers to participation and create meaningful creative experiences for communities. As part of this year’s festival, we will be taking over a dedicated bell-tent space and working alongside Sunderland community organisations and groups through a ‘community decision-making panel’ to co-curate a programme of creative activity across the day.
Deadline for Expressions of Interest: 12 noon, Thurs 18th June 2026
Fee: £400 for each artist (to include expenses, travel VAT etc.)
