A collective of passionate artists is breathing new life into Sunderland's city center by converting a vacant storefront into a vibrant art gallery. The former Sweet Home Alabama shop on Fawcett Street is being transformed into Twenty-Four North East, a grassroots gallery dedicated to celebrating local artistic talent. The project represents the growing creative energy in Sunderland's arts community.
The initiative is spearheaded by renowned Sunderland artist Ken Devine, who previously operated the Frederick Street Gallery in Sunniside and the Pigment & Toil gallery in the Bridges shopping center. Devine has partnered with Craig Knight, a successful artist from Stockton, to serve as directors of the newly-formed community interest company, 24NE Art Collective. "The creative arts in Sunderland is buzzing and it's great to be a part of this family of creativity," the artists explained.
The transformation project began when artist Barrie Watson discovered the vacant unit. "Another of the artists, Barrie Watson, actually found this unit but as soon as we saw it we knew it had huge potential," Devine explained. The team has been working tirelessly to renovate the space, receiving support from Albert's Place in Sunniside, which donated leftover paint to help with the project.
Unlike traditional galleries, Twenty-Four North East will operate as both an exhibition space and retail outlet where artists can sell their original works without paying any commission fees. "Ours will be a permanent independent retail fine art gallery that will be funded, renovated, and run by the artists themselves; and unashamedly dedicated to showcasing and selling their own creations," Devine stated. "Our aim is to attract customers from far and wide to Sunderland and its newest gallery and its array of other creative outlets."
The new gallery is part of a broader revitalization effort on Fawcett Street. The area is experiencing a cultural renaissance with several new businesses opening their doors. Next to the gallery, the city's first Korean restaurant, The Korean Spoon, has recently opened. Additionally, Pepes Piri Piri chicken shop plans to move into a newly-refurbished unit at the corner of Fawcett Street and High Street West.
Further down Fawcett Street, another arts-focused establishment is taking shape. The former Havershams Café building is being converted into the Art Café, which will offer refreshments including tea, coffee, sandwiches, and cakes alongside space for local artists to sell their work. The venue will also host workshops and events, featuring pottery wheels and sewing machines for hands-on creative activities.
Devine expressed enthusiasm about the concentration of artistic venues in the area. "We are thrilled to be sharing the same street as The Art Café, the Moving Gallery, and the Abject Gallery. We also have the Sunderland Indie, the Pink Collar Gallery and, just down the road in Seaham, EDAN (East Durham Artists Network). Let's not forget our more internationally acclaimed venues in the city, along with whatever the Culture House offers when it opens."
The gallery will showcase works from an impressive roster of 26 artists who are part of the 24NE Art Collective. Featured artists include Ken Devine, Craig Scott Knight, Conrad Milne, Darren Timby, Ron Lawson, Richard Buckley, Michael Elliot, Alan Morley, Ben Backgroundcamel, Dale Hardy, Barrie Watson, Keidi Sejdiu, Danny Gilchrist, Robert Myers, Jayne Johnson, Hally Mason, Graham Hodgson, Mick Connor, Catherina Chin, Debrah Perry, Darren Mundy, Pauline Alldis, Graham Bowes, Pamela Ormston, Chris Cummings, and Victoria Tanner.
Twenty-Four North East will officially open its doors on November 20 at 6:30 PM with a winter exhibition that welcomes all community members. "We think the public will go out of their way to visit something unique, and there isn't anything more unique than flesh and blood putting their heart, soul, passion, and back story in creating something," Devine noted. Following the opening, the gallery will operate Wednesday through Saturday, offering gallery shows, classes, workshops, and sales of original art, prints, and cards. The artists believe this unique venture represents a bright and successful future for Sunderland's creative community.
