What's On
Currently, Pink-collar Gallery doesn't have our own space so we are popping up at other venues around Sunderland. Check out what we have on offer!
Art in The Open: Exploring St Peter’s through Walks, Nature & Creativity
Feeling the winter blues? The colder months can be isolating, but Art in The Open invites you to wrap up warm, get outside, and reconnect with creativity through gentle walks, nature, and hands-on art-making.
This series of three affordable outdoor workshops takes place around St Peter’s, Roker, and the surrounding coastline. Led by local artists Liv Askwith and Claire Louise, the sessions explore sculpture, drawing, watercolour painting, and photography in response to the landscape, weather, and environment.
All workshops are beginner-friendly, materials are provided, and no previous experience is needed. Look out for our Pink Collar Gallery flag at each meeting point so you can easily find us.
Funded by Community Chest Sunderland Council.
Nature & Photography for Everyone
Saturday 7th February | 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Meeting point: Outside Fausto Coffee Shop
Led by: Claire Louise
Cost: £7.50 (all materials provided)
A relaxed, beginner-friendly guided walk focusing on photography in nature. Using just a phone camera, or a digital camera if you have one, participants will capture waves, plants, rocks, and wildlife through simple techniques and playful creative prompts. This session encourages new ways of seeing familiar places.
Sculpture Tour & Frottage Workshop
Saturday 7th March | 12:00–2:00 pm
Meeting point: National Glass Centre café entrance (around the back)
Led by: Liv Askwith
Cost: £7.50 (all materials provided)
Discover St Peter’s public sculptures through a guided outdoor walk before trying frottage — a surrealist technique of creating textured rubbings using pencils, crayons, or pastels. This tactile and playful process encourages close observation and imaginative interpretation, turning everyday surfaces into unexpected works of art.
Windy Weather Watercolour Painting Session
Saturday 14th March | 12:00–2:00 pm
Meeting point: Outside Fausto Coffee Shop
Led by: Liv Askwith
Cost: £7.50 (all materials provided)
Inspired by the Impressionists, these outdoor watercolour painting sessions embrace whatever the weather brings — sunshine, wind, clouds, or sea mist. Participants will learn how to respond to changing light and dramatic coastal landscapes, using watercolour to create bold, expressive paintings in the great outdoors.
Good to Know
All workshops take place outdoors and will involve walking. Please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Workshops may be cancelled in extreme weather conditions. Participants are responsible for personal belongings, including phones and equipment.
Her Mark - Free Workshops at Hylton Castle.
Her Mark: Women Making History Then and Now
Where history, calligraphy, and women’s stories come to life.
Free Creative Workshops
📍 Venue: Hylton Castle
📅 Starting Saturday 10th January – 8 Weeks
🕑 2.00 – 4.00pm
Free to attend – all materials provided
Join us for a series of free creative workshops at Hylton Castle, celebrating the often-overlooked stories of medieval women and their creative legacies.
Rooted in feminist values and community collaboration, this 8-week programme blends art, history, and storytelling to bring both historical and contemporary women’s voices to life.
+Across the eight weeks, participants will explore a rich mix of creative and historical activities.
+Discover the stories of medieval women artists such as Claricia and Guda, whose contributions have long been overlooked.
+Explore heritage crafts like calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts, reimagining these traditional art forms in a contemporary way.
+Take part in storytelling and writing workshops to create narratives inspired by local folklore, the history of Hylton Castle, and your own lived experiences.
+Contribute to a collaborative community scroll and design your own illuminated manuscript, celebrating women’s creativity across time.
These hands-on, intergenerational workshops are open to all ages and experience levels. You’ll learn new creative skills, explore local heritage, and connect with others in a welcoming, supportive environment.
Enjoy a free hot drink and cake with every workshop!
Together, we’ll celebrate women’s voices, past and present and explore how their stories continue to shape our culture today.
Delivered by Pink-Collar Gallery, a platform championing women’s stories through art, activism, and community.
Come join us to connect, create, and celebrate women’s histories and futures together.
This project is supported by funding from the English Heritage Community Connections Grants.
Get tickets here!
🎥 Pink-Collar Gallery Commission for The Culture House
Watch it online below!
We’re proud to present a new animated short film commissioned by Pink-Collar Gallery for the Culture House Expo Sunderland Pavilion.
This dynamic piece is part of our series of commissioned films contributing to the Culture House's pre-opening programme, spotlighting Sunderland’s vibrant creative community.
Animated by: Arlo Howard & Anthony Deligiannis
Audio produced by: Ynez Tulsen & Tanya Trayanovich
Featuring local artists Sullivan Alenezi, Ellie Clewlow, Jordan Quinn, and Sally Anderson, the film explores their inspirations, personal journeys, and how the city of Sunderland has shaped their practice.
Through bold animation and immersive audio storytelling, this project not only celebrates Sunderland’s cultural scene but also makes the case that creativity is for everyone—whether it’s a passion or a profession.
As part of the commission, Pink-Collar Gallery collaborated with students from University of Sunderland, offering real-world experience to emerging creatives and showcasing pathways to building creative careers right here in the city.
Represented Artists & Support Programme
Pink-Collar Gallery is proud to support a growing roster of local artists:
Albert BC, Arlo Howard, Melissa Duncan, Emily Josephine, Sally Anderson, Jordan Quinn, Nora Nadvegi, Liv Askwith, Sullivan Alenezi and Pamela Ormston.
Our commitment goes beyond representation. We actively support artists’ career development through:
One-to-one mentoring
Help with funding applications and artist statements
Financial support for materials, marketing, and open call fees
Ongoing professional guidance as part of building long-term creative careers
As Pink-Collar Gallery grows, so does our mission to uplift emerging voices and foster a sustainable, inclusive art community.
Creative Pathways Events – Coming Soon
We’re developing a new series of artist-focused events designed to build networks, create opportunities, and support creative practice. Upcoming programming will include:
Artist networking and “Speed Arting” sessions
Creative day trips
One-to-one support for freelancers
Skill-sharing sessions and artist showcases
Selling opportunities for emerging creatives
Stay tuned for updates as we announce more dates and ways to get involved.