North East scheme aims to close ‘culture gap’ for children

A three-year programme called Culture Start is under way in Sunderland to build a “protective framework” around children in the most disadvantaged areas, aiming to close the UK’s entitlement gap around access to culture.

Nick Malyan, chief executive officer of Sunderland Culture, said: “More than 15,000 children and young people in Sunderland have lived experience of poverty.

Sir Nicholas Serota with Nick Malyan and students from Sunderland college (Image: Supplied)

“When heating, food, and housing are precarious, then cultural activities and experiences are often seen as a luxury.

“We know however that positive cultural experiences can be game changer.

“It’s more than a ‘nice-to-have.’

“Cultural participation is proven to build life skills, foster a strong sense of identity and self-worth, and improve life chances and social mobility.

Sir Nicholas Serota with Nick Malyan and students from Sunderland college (Image: Supplied)

“We see culture as being part of the essential scaffolding that helps improve life outcomes for children.”

Now in its second year, the scheme is already making an impact.

So far, it has reached 3,000 children and recorded more than 6,400 individual engagements in arts and cultural activities.

Culture Start is being delivered by Sunderland Culture on behalf of a partnership spanning culture, education, health, housing, youth services, and the community.

It focuses on year-round activities for 8,000 children in their own neighbourhoods, with free travel, food, and materials provided.

Professor Graham Thrower, head of the Institute for Economic and Social Inclusion at the University of Sunderland, said: “A key innovation of Culture Start is working collectively as a city to create a cultural eco-system for children and young people.

“This has enabled a step change in the city and the hope is it will provide learning for other places facing similar challenges.”

The evaluation shows the programme is helping to build resilience, confidence, and aspiration among five to 18-year-olds.

Funding for Culture Start has come from a range of supporters, including a £1.2 million Place Partnership award from Arts Council England.

Sir Nicholas Serota, chair of Arts Council England, said: “Culture Start is an inspiring example of how sustained investment in creativity and culture can make a real difference to the lives of children and young people.

“By placing culture at the heart of a wider partnership across education, health, and community services, Sunderland is helping to address barriers that too often limit access to excellent art and culture and the life choices and chances that can offer.”

The programme has also received backing from one of the city’s most famous cultural figures.

Singer Bryan Ferry, who grew up in a council house in Sunderland, said: “It’s important to have a cultural education.

“I was so lucky to have some great arts teachers and it opened up so many doors for me.

“I wish Culture Start all the best.”

Cultural activities are delivered in schools, youth centres, and community hubs, with free transport, meals, and materials provided.

The scheme also provides ‘Ignite bursaries’ of up to £500 for young people experiencing hardship to develop their artistic practice.

Nearly £50,000 has been invested so far.

Mr Malyan said: “Culture Start is about meaningful impact on those who need support the most, who might be impacted by poor health, poor housing or have educational and emotional challenges.

“This should not be lost.”