A TRIO of artists have been commissioned to create a unique installation that will be part of a major new city venue.
The creative team includes musician and sound artist Ross Millard, from The Futureheads; video artist and sound designer Jeremy Bradfield; and creative technologist Ben Lawrence. They are working together to create “Timepiece”, an installation for Culture House Sunderland.
The ever-evolving artwork, an audio and visual installation utilising the large, state-of-the-art screens and speakers, will take pride of place in the new building’s atrium. Appearing on the hour every hour for a year, the piece will act as a practical clock for visitors and an ongoing tribute to Sunderland.
Using archive images, footage and audio, field recordings and composed music, the installation is designed to change and evolve over time.
It aims to show venue visitors the stories of Sunderland, celebrating the city’s past, present and future, with a special moment created on the hour every hour.
And residents are being offered the chance to be part of the piece by contributing their own images to be used as part of the installation.
In particular, the artists are looking for photographs and selfies of people in front of well-known Sunderland landmarks, people in front of their Christmas trees or celebrating other festivals, images of people in their work uniforms or photos or videos of special family moments in the city. The images can be from the past or more recent. Submissions can be uploaded through an online portal.
Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of Economy and Place at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce these three fantastic artists, all of whom have a connection to the North East, who will come together to bring this installation to Culture House Sunderland.
“The building’s atrium will be a spectacular, welcoming space for residents and visitors and this will add to their experience.
“As well as being a lovely place for people to meet and take part in activities, Culture House Sunderland will bring exciting, cutting edge showcases to the city.”
Opening in late spring 2026, Culture House Sunderland will create a living room in the heart of the city where everyone is welcome, with a range of events, exhibitions and spaces for visitors to enjoy. The venue will include large digital screens, cutting edge immersive spaces, green screen studio and podcasting facilities. It will also be home to a new, state of the art city library.
The venue will also host talks, creative workshops for young people and adults, family events, screenings and performances in its large adaptable spaces, as well as more intimate shows such as film screenings and gaming battles.
Throughout the year there will be a range of events and exhibitions in the gallery spaces, attracting national exhibits as well as showcasing local talent.
Timepiece is commissioned as part of Digital Spaces, supported by The Space in association with Arts Council England.
People who would like to contribute their own photos to the project can upload them at https://livingarchive.net/client/submit/7Red2z2a
For more information and to keep up to date visit https://culturehousesunderland.co.uk