Client research

1. Client Research
The client for this project is 'Sunderland Culture' and they are holding a mixed media exhibition
titled 'Bright Lights: Northern Talent'. They have created a platform for young creatives in the
Northeast to help them develop and showcase their media talent through exhibitions and
festivals. They have requested that young creators make some media pieces, rather short film/
documentary, print or a combination of the two, that show potential and demonstrate the
region.
Sunderland Culture was formed in April of 2016 by Sunderland City Council, the University of
Sunderland and Sunderland MAC (music, arts and culture) with the purpose of managing
cultural venues in Sunderland along with helping out with any culture projects in the area. They
are a registered charity that is dedicated to focusing on Sunderland Culture and pushing forward
talented individuals. Their website states that their mission is to improve life for everyone in
Sunderland through Culture.
Since they're all about culture it is important that their organisation has equality and diversity
within their staff and within the community. Since they get their money through public funds it
is important that they set a good example as their actions can influence their staff, their
audience and the community as a whole. Their website states that they 'actively seek to
promote and support the work of artists from diverse backgrounds'.
Some of the venues that they run include the: Arts Centre Washington, The Fire Station,
National Glass Centre, Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art and Winter Gardens to name a
few. Across these venues they have an audience of 700,000. Along with this, they run city-wide
programmes such as the UK City of Culture Bid.
Through their website you can see what events they have coming up, as of right now some of
the upcoming events are: watercolour classes, Washington young theatre, creative age and
Live/Wire the AC/DC show just to name a few. They always have many events going on that are
open to anyone.
After looking into Sunderland Culture, I now feel as though I know a lot more about the
organisation then I previously did and also feel as though I learned more about the city as a
whole. Specifically knowing more about their venues and upcoming events is something that
will be very useful for me to be aware of. I feel as though this research will greatly help me to
develop my ideas on my product.