A GIANT map has been installed in Sunderland city centre to guide art lovers on a special trail – and the Bridges marks the spot.
The second annual Arts and Culture Trail will take place from 6 to 21 July – with the work of around 60 local artists on display at 40 locations across the city.
And the shopping centre is at the heart of the action with an interactive map and QR codes enabling users to download digital versions to help them explore the various locations on the map.
One of which is Pigment and Toil, an art gallery in The Bridges, owned by award-winning artist Graham Hodgson, which will be featuring the work of local artists and giving trail finders the chance to watch him as he creates his own paintings in his shop window.
Placed around the map will be artworks created by members of the community – including pupils from Mill Hill Nursery School.
And two, free workshops are also being held for children at the Bridges’ Central Square, on Saturday 6 and 20 July, from 11am to 3pm, by Sunderland artist Hannah Graham.
The first, this Saturday, is aimed at those aged four and over and will include storytelling and the chance to try their hands at map making and drawing monsters.
While the second, on 20 July is for those aged 12 and over and will concentrate on painting and drawing people.
“We are delighted to be at the heart of the Arts and Culture Trail,” said Karen Eve, centre director at the Bridges.
“It really is a fantastic initiative which showcases the vast amount of professional and amateur artistic talent within the city, while also providing a great day out for all ages.”
Every artistic medium, from painting and sculpture to performance art, will be represented at pop-up displays and exhibitions on the Arts and Culture trail.
There will also be a Community Art Exhibition at the city’s Winter Gardens, made up of 30 pieces created by local painters, sculptors and photographers aged from just three-years-old to 80.
More information is available at https://sunderlandartstrail.co.uk/