Welcome to part one of the fifth 'Show & Tell' edition of ArtyParti - a live podcast recording hosted at Port Independent in Sunderland.

Artists & creatives of various disciplines are invited to "step up to the microphone" to share recent projects, the process behind their work, and the lessons they've learned along the way. This is a critically supportive community - inviting the audience to share reflections on each project, and celebrate creative practice.

We’ve had six ArtyParti 'Show & Tell' events so far - and we have a seventh on the horizon! If you fancy joining Show & Tell #7 in person, whether to share your work or enjoy discussing the work of others, please put this date in your diary - Thursday 26th March, 6pm - 9pm, at Port Independent in Sunderland. Tickets are free for £3+ supporters on Patreon.

Artists & Creatives featured in the episode:

• Jayne Hughes - Visual Artist & Illustrator

• Brad Race - Painter & Craftsperson

• Ami Doherty - Poet & Candle Artist

• Rafał Marzec - Electronic Music Producer & DJ

Today's episode artwork was created by Hannah Graham Story Teller, which she illustrated live at the Show & Tell event.

More about ArtyParti:
ArtyParti is a twice-monthly podcast, events series, and community platform that celebrates and supports development of the work of artists and creatives. ArtyParti brings artists and creatives together to share about their projects & passions, promote events and exhibitions, and offer insight and advice on developing creative practice. Whether emerging or established, everyone is invited to ArtyParti.

• Website - www.artyparti.com
• Instagram - @ArtyPartiPodcast
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

ArtyParti's Events:
We host regular events at the café Port Independent in Sunderland - including upcoming Show and Tell, Sunderland Scratch, and Writers' Toolkit events, as well as live-audience panels. Tickets are a fiver for these events, or free for our 'Friend' supporters on Patreon, and include a complimentary +1.

And new to 2026, we're excited to launch Paint By Chords and Your Artistic Identity - both of these are £15+VAT, or are free for our 'Bestie' supporters on Patreon. Head to ArtyParti.com for more info and to book your tickets. That’s Arty with a Y, Parti with an I. Why aye!

Our supporters and funders:

The ArtyParti podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our generous Patreon backers. Your contributions help us keep the podcast going, support local artists, and grow our creative events. Every pledge makes a difference.

• John Appleton - Poet, Actor, & Director 
• Zoe Broad - Writer & Director
• Danielle Chamberlin - Watercolour Artist
• Rachel Charlton-Dailey - Journalist & Author
• Sarah Drummond - Vegan Creative
• Chantal Herbert - DJ, & Founder of Sister Shack
• Jo Howell - Photographic Artist
• Dima Jafar - Visual Artist & Counsellor
• Auburn Langley - Writer, & Director of the Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
• Rafał Marzec - Musić Producer & DJ, Blue Wings Records
• Carrie McGovern - Contemporary Romance Author
• Nora Nadvegi - Animator & Illustrator
• Gerard Purvis - Director, Harbour Printworks CIC
• Angela Sandwith - Mixed-Media Artist
• Peter Scott - Writer, Props Master, & Voice Actor
• Stephanie Smith - Visual Artist
• Louise Stam...

ArtyParti turned 10 years old this year! Join us as we listen back to the last decade of ArtyParti, and celebrate ten years of brining artists & creatives together for conversations and development of creative practice.

This episode of ArtyParti was recorded at Port Independent in Sunderland. Alongside collaborating on shared canvases and generally chilling and mixing, we shared extracts and images from across the past ten years of ArtyParti.

Clips featured in this episode:

• Our first ever broadcast as a radio show on Spark in 2015, hosted by Sinead Livingston and Jay Sykes, and one of our first guests David Callaghan, then part of the Cultural Spring.
• A live-recorded performance of an original song by singer/songwriter Sinead Livingston, 'Patchwork Pier'.
• Our gold-winning entry to the Community Radio Awards in 2016 (which itself contains a bunch of clips!)
• The journey behind a collaborative piece of soundscape + writing between audio producer RJ Phoenix and writer James Whitman.
• A live show recorded at BBC Radio 3's Free Thinking Festival in 2018 at the (formerly) Sage Gateshead, hosted by Emma Millen, RJ Phoenix, and Jay Sykes, leading into vox-pops about the 'Radio.Garden' project recorded and mixed by Michael McLaren.
• A short promo used regularly on the radio station Spark.
• Sound composer Odette Johnson a.k.a. Museleon in discussion with audio producer Lewis Harrower about Odette's electronic/found sound composition 'Wasps'.
• Odette's vibrant sound collage composition for ArtyParti - meticulously mixing 24 arts-based sounds.
• One of our first podcast episodes - recorded at Mackie's Corner as one of our 'Celebration' events in 2019 - supported by the Unlock Strand of Sunderland Culture's 'Great Place' scheme. This clip features Laura Brewis, Sarah Carr, and Dr. Loes Veldpaus.
• Ceramic artist Iona Stock in conversation with (then) 17Nineteen's Lily Daniels about their pottery collection inspired by the cracks in the building.
• Singer/songwriter and Witch-Pop Pioneer Shannon Pearl sharing the process behind her music + found sound album 'Ghosts'.
• An extract from our most recent Show and Tell episode, recorded at Port Independent in Sunderland. This clip features writer Auburn Langley, vegan creative Sarah Drummond, contemporary romance author Carrie McGovern, animator Anthony Deligiannis, and visual artists Sully Alenezi, Sally Anderson, and Jordan Quinn.
• Reflections by artists Sofia Barton, Sully Alenezi, and Lianne Bell about Sofia's 'Death Magic' exhibition at the Vane Gallery in Gateshead.
• A montage of artists and visitors to the third Sunderland Art Festival of 2025, organised by Art Café's Su Devine.
• Our most recent episode, 'The Doors Refused to Open, But I Kept Pushing' - a live-audience panel recorded at Diego's Joint in Sunderland. This clip features journalists Godstime David, Rachel Charlton-Dailey, and media producer Sophie Willox.

More about ArtyParti:
ArtyParti is a twice-monthly podcast, events series, and community platform that celebrates and supports development of the work of artists and creatives. ArtyParti brings artists and creatives together to share about their projects & passions, promote events and exhibitions, and offer insight and advice on developing creative practice. Whether emerging or established, everyone is invited to ArtyParti.

• Website - www.artyparti.com
• Instagram - @ArtyPartiPodcast
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

ArtyParti's Events:
We host regular events at the café Port Independent in Sunderland - including upcoming Show and Tell, Sunderland Scratch, and Writers' Toolkit events, as well as live-audience panels. Tickets are a fiver for these events, or free for our 'Friend' supporters on Patreon, and include a complimentary +1. Head to ArtyParti.com for more info and to book your tickets. That’s Arty with a Y, Parti with an I. Why aye!

Our supporters and funders:

The ArtyParti podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our generous Patreon backers. Your contributions help us keep the podcast going, support loc...

Today's episode of ArtyParti is a panel discussion with a live audience, held at Diego’s Joint in Sunderland city centre.

It’s part of ‘Creative Industries Week’ - where students at the University of Sunderland have a week-long gap in taught classes and are invited to a range of sessions that explore a range of creative disciplines.

We brought together three people who work in the creative industries - journalists Rachel Charlton-Dailey, Godstime David, and videographer Sophie Willox. They shared about their journeys, their interests, their challenges, and what advice they can offer to emerging creative professionals.

Our Panelists:

• Rachel Charlton-Dailey - Disability Rights Journalist, Author, & Activist

Rachel Charlton-Dailey is an award-winning disabled journalist, activist and author. She wrote Ramping Up Rights: An Unfinished History of British Disability Activism, which she’s been touring around the country this year - and Ruby Hastings Writes Her Own Story (Collins, 2024). Rachel is a columnist at The Canary, and has previously reported for the BBC, The Big Issue, Metro, The Guardian and The Daily Mirror. She is also the founder of The Unwritten and co-founder of Taking The Pip. When Rachel isn’t writing, she can be found walking her sausage dog, Rusty.

• Godstime David - Ghost Reporter & Award-Winning Community Journalist

Godstime David is a Nigerian-born multimedia journalist and communications strategist. She holds an MA in Journalism and works full-time as a ghost reporter while also serving part-time as a community journalist in Sunderland. Currently, Godstime is consulting for a private TV station, where she is helping to establish a new studio from the ground up, and she recently worked as a video journalist on the Generation Delta project, collaborating with a team of Black and Brown professors across Universities in England. Her work spans investigative and community-based reporting - Godstime’s dedication to investigative and community journalism was recently recognised when she won the Best Community and Investigative Reporting of the Year Award by the Women in Worship Music/Media, celebrating her impactful work in uncovering stories within the community.

• Sophie Willox - Videographer & Content Creator, Foresight

Sophie Willox is also a University of Sunderland graduate - Sophie now brings her scriptwriting and editing skills to her full-time role as Videographer and Content Creator at Foresight - a creative agency in Sunderland. Alongside their client work, with recent partners such as the NHS, the Royal Airforce, and Gig Savvy, Foresight has grown into a training provider for emerging creatives across the North East - and hopefully useful for everyone in this room, it’s called 'Creators Academy' - they deliver Adobe Certified Professional Courses in creative editing software.

More about ArtyParti:
ArtyParti is a twice-monthly podcast, events series, and community platform that celebrates and supports development of the work of artists and creatives. Now an independent podcast, ArtyParti brings artists and creatives together to share about their projects & passions, promote events and exhibitions, and offer insight and advice on developing creative practice. Whether emerging or established, everyone is invited to ArtyParti.

• Website - www.artyparti.com
• Instagram - @ArtyPartiPodcast
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

ArtyParti's 10th Birthday Celebration:
ArtyParti turns 10 years old this year - and we’re holding a 10th Birthday Celebration. It’s on Wednesday 17th December 2025, 6pm-9pm, at our usual venue Port Independent. You are invited - come join us, relax and chill with other artists and creatives. Tickets to this event are free for anyone to attend - head to ArtyParti.com for more info and to book your tickets. That’s Arty with a Y, Parti with an I. Why aye!

Our supporters and funders:

The ArtyParti podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our generous Patreon backers. Your contributions help us keep the podcast going, support local artists, and grow our creative events. Every pledge makes a difference.

• John Appleton - Poet, Actor, & Director 
• Zoe Broad - Writer & Director
• Danielle Chamberlin - Watercolour Artist
• Sarah Drummond - Vegan Creative
• Chantal Herbert - DJ, & Founder of Sister Shack
• Jo Howell - Photographic Artist
• Auburn Langley - Writer, & Director of the Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
• Carrie McGovern - Contemporary Romance Author
• Nora Nadvegi - Animator & Illustrator
• Gerard Purvis - Director, Harbour Printworks CIC
• Angela Sandwith - Mixed-Media Artist
• Peter Scott - Writer, Props Master, & Voice Actor

Artist, and Festival Organiser & Director Su Devine tours us around the Sunderland Art Festival in Sunniside Gardens.

It’s our most jam-packed episode of ArtyParti yet; we’ll hear the voices of over thirty artists, creatives, stall-holders, performers, and visitors - as well as performances by Houghton Brass band, magician Chris Cross, drumming workshops led by Sacred Sounds (Drummers), and spoken word poetry by members of King Ink CIC.

They’re all brought together for the ‘Sunderland Art Festival’ - the final of three art festivals that took place throughout summer and early Autumn in Sunniside Gardens. We’ll hear why festivals like this matter; not just for providing the residents of Sunderland access to arts, crafts, spoken word, performances, and creative experiences, but bringing together a community of creators in the heart of the city centre.

The vibrancy and buzz of the festival was incredible to be part of; a credit to Su Devine and her team of volunteers.

Across the episode, you’ll hear from the voices of:

• Su Devine - Artist / Festival Organiser & Director
• Adam Abdulrehman - Software Engineer
• Michael Alexander - Mental Health Therapist
• Mayowa Akande - Photographer
• Victoria Armstrong - Living Statue, Statuesque Physical Arts
• Graham Bowes - Artist / Curator, working with Su
• Lina Buffington - Nonprofit Leader, MA Ceramics
• Joe Cooke - Actor, Atlas Theatre Company
• Andrea Clayson - Co-Director & Co-Founder, Sunshine Cooperative
• Chris Cross - The Great Magician of the North
• Luke Duffy - Writer / Actor, Atlas Theatre Company
• Ed Davis - Helper, King Ink Young Voices
• Francis Edwards -  Jewellery Maker, Handmade by Fae
• Olayiwola Fajorin - Minister, RCCG Livingpraise Sunderland
• Hannah Graham - Story Teller, Illustrator
• Mel Graham - University of Sunderland art student
• Houghton Brass
• Jeanet Ingwersen - Handmade Scandinavian Potter
• Just Think Phil - Poet & Artist
• King Ink Young Voices - Amy, Ava, & William
• Wendy Kitching - Textile Artist, Baroque Bags
• Auburn Langley - Director, Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
• Ian Law - Production Management (Film & T.V.)
• Lucy Lax - Learning & Engagement Manager, National Glass Centre
• Abi Lloyd - Music & Drama Teacher / Director, Atlas Theatre Company CIC
• Lian Maltas - Poet / Centre Manager, St. Luke’s Neighbourhood Trust
• Debrah Perry - Artist
• Kath Price - Textile Artist
• Gerard Purvis - Director, Harbour Printworks CIC
• Renegade Penguin (Hels)
• Victoria Richardson - Marketing & Engagement Projects, Sunderland BID
• Sacred Sounds (Drummers)
• Frank Styles - Spray Paint Mural Artist
• Melanie Thornton - Deputy Mayor of the City of Sunderland
• Claire Wayman - Co-Director & Co-Founder, Sunshine Cooperative
• James Whitman - Writer & Podcaster / Project Manager, King Ink CIC
• Helen Wilkinson - Poet / Director, King Ink CIC
• Aaron Wright - Poet & Creative Performer
• Naim Zuki - Fashion Photographer

More about ArtyParti:
ArtyParti is a twice-monthly podcast, events series, and community platform that celebrates and supports development of the work of artists and creatives. Now an independent podcast, ArtyParti brings artists and creatives together to share about their projects & passions, promote events and exhibitions, and offer insight and advice on developing creative practice. Whether emerging or established, everyone is invited to ArtyParti.

• Website - www.artyparti.com
• Instagram - @ArtyPartiPodcast
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

ArtyParti's 10th Birthday Celebration:
ArtyParti turns 10 years old this year - and we’re holding a 10th Birthday Celebration. It’s on Wednesday 17th December 2025, 6pm-9pm, at our usual venue Port Independent. You are invited - come join us, relax and chill with other artists and creatives. Tickets to this event are free for anyone to attend - hea...

Welcome to the fourth 'Show & Tell' edition of ArtyParti - a live podcast recording hosted at Port Independent in Sunderland.

Artists & creatives of various disciplines are invited to "step up to the microphone" to share recent projects, the process behind their work, and the lessons they've learned along the way. This is a critically supportive community - inviting the audience to share reflections on each project, and celebrate creative practice.

We’ve had five ArtyParti Show & Tell events so far - and we have a sixth on the horizon! If you fancy joining Show & Tell #6 in person, whether to share your work or enjoy discussing the work of others, please put this date in your diary - Thursday 20th November 2025, 6pm - 9pm, at Port Independent in Sunderland. Tickets are free for £3+ supporters on Patreon.

Artists & Creatives featured in the episode:

• Auburn Langley - Writer, & Director of the Sunderland Lit & Phil Society

• Sarah Drummond - Vegan Creative

• Carrie McGovern - Contemporary Romance Author

• Anthony Deligiannis - Animator & Games Artist

More about ArtyParti:
ArtyParti is a twice-monthly podcast, events series, and community platform that celebrates the work of artists and creatives. Now an independent podcast, ArtyParti brings artists and creatives together to share about their projects & passions, promote events and exhibitions, and offer insight and advice on developing creative practice.

• Our website - www.artyparti.com
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• Instagram - @Arty_Parti_
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

Our supporters and funders:

The ArtyParti podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our generous Patreon backers. Your contributions help us keep the podcast going, support local artists, and grow our creative events. Every pledge makes a difference.

• John Appleton - Poet, Actor, & Director 
• Zoe Broad - Writer & Director
• Danielle Chamberlin - Watercolour Artist
• Sarah Drummond - Vegan Creative
• Emily Haddath - Dystopian Romance Writer
• Chantal Herbert - DJ, & Founder of Sister Shack
• Jo Howell - Photographic Artist
• Auburn Langley - Writer, & Director of the Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
• Carrie McGovern - Contemporary Romance Author
• Nora Nadvegi - Animator & Illustrator
• Gerard Purvis - Director, Harbour Printworks CIC
• Angela Sandwith - Mixed-Media Artist
• Peter Scott - Writer, Props Master, & Voice Actor
• Stephanie Smith - Visual Artist
• Louise Stamp - Aspiring Voice Actor
• Tony Stamp - Aspiring Writer, Student, & Dabbler
• Aura Stephenson - Emerging Journalist & Podcast Producer
• Kosti Tsapanidis - Actor & Performer

Back in August, the 17Nineteen Society held their first Open Day. We’ve covered events at 17Nineteen previously on ArtyParti - for those who’ve not heard of the building, it was ‘Holy Trinity Church’ established in the year 1719, but over the years reinvented itself primarily as a community arts, heritage, and event space.

The new volunteer-run and volunteer-led society has been established to help ensure the building continues to flourish into the future. Holy Trinity Church is the responsibility of the Churches Conservation Trust as custodians of the building, and 17Nineteen provides volunteer support for the community to access the space.

Across the episode, you’ll hear from the voices of:

• Anne Moore - Chair, 17Nineteen Society
• Brenda Owens - Jewellery Designer / Maker
• Alison Tonge & Ken Tonge - Hop, Skiffle, and Jump
• Marion Wheeler - Chair, Wearside Creative Stitchers
• Stuart Miller - Local Sunderland Author & Historian
• Jackie Glendenning & Michelle McPheators - Volunteers

More about ArtyParti:
ArtyParti is a twice-monthly podcast, events series, and community platform that celebrates the work of artists and creatives. Now an independent podcast, ArtyParti brings artists and creatives together to share about their projects & passions, promote events and exhibitions, and offer insight and advice on developing creative practice.

• Our website - www.artyparti.com
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• Instagram - @Arty_Parti_
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

Our supporters and funders:

The ArtyParti podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our generous Patreon backers. Your contributions help us keep the podcast going, support local artists, and grow our creative events. Every pledge makes a difference.

• Zoe Broad - Writer & Director
• Danielle Chamberlin - Watercolour Artist
• Sarah Drummond - Vegan Creative
• Chantal Herbert - DJ, & Founder of Sister Shack
• Jo Howell - Photographic Artist
• Auburn Langley - Writer, & Director of the Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
• Carrie McGovern - Contemporary Romance Author
• Nora Nadvegi - Animator & Illustrator
• Angela Sandwith - Mixed-Media Artist
• Peter Scott - Writer, Props Master, & Voice Actor
• Stephanie Smith - Visual Artist
• Louise Stamp - Aspiring Voice Actor
• Tony Stamp - Aspiring Writer, Student, & Dabbler
• Aura Stephenson - Emerging Journalist & Podcast Producer
• Kosti Tsapanidis - Actor & Performer

Today’s ArtyParti was recorded a month ago, at the Vane Gallery in Gateshead. The exhibition; Death Magic - by mixed media artist Sofia Barton.

Reading from Vane’s website; “Death Magic, part of Gem Arts’ Masala Festival, offers a poignant journey through the intersection of neurodivergent experience, and the rich tapestry of Punjabi perspectives on death, ancestry, and the enduring power of memory."

It was, in my own opinion, a beautiful and vibrant exhibition considering the subject, and it was moving to hear about the strong relationship Sofia had with their father which elements of the series.

But Sofia can guide you through their exhibition better than I can, so I’ll hand the microphone over to Sofia, as we explore Death Magic and meet some of the attendees.

Artists & Creatives featured in the episode:

• Sofia Barton - Multidisciplinary Artist
• Paul Stone - Creative Director, Vane Gallery
• Sully Alenezi - Designer & Illustrator
• Alfie Flounders - Fine Art Photographer
• Lianne Bell - Artist & Educator (Ceramics & Print)
• Theresa Easton - Lecturer & Freelance Artist Printmaker

More about ArtyParti:
ArtyParti is a twice-monthly podcast, events series, and community platform that celebrates the work of artists and creatives. Now an independent podcast, ArtyParti brings artists and creatives together to share about their projects & passions, promote events and exhibitions, and offer insight and advice on developing creative practice.

• Our website - www.artyparti.com
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• Instagram - @Arty_Parti_
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

Our supporters and funders:

The ArtyParti podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our generous Patreon backers. Your contributions help us keep the podcast going, support local artists, and grow our creative events. Every pledge makes a difference.

• Zoe Broad - Writer & Director
• Danielle Chamberlin - Watercolour Artist
• Sarah Drummond - Vegan Creative
• Chantal Herbert - DJ, & Founder of Sister Shack
• Jo Howell - Photographic Artist
• Auburn Langley - Writer, & Director of the Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
• Carrie McGovern - Contemporary Romance Author
• Nora Nadvegi - Animator & Illustrator
• Angela Sandwith - Mixed-Media Artist
• Peter Scott - Writer, Props Master, & Voice Actor
• Stephanie Smith - Visual Artist
• Louise Stamp - Aspiring Voice Actor
• Tony Stamp - Aspiring Writer, Student, & Dabbler
• Aura Stephenson - Emerging Journalist & Podcast Producer
• Kosti Tsapanidis - Actor & Performer

Welcome to the third 'Show & Tell' edition of ArtyParti - a live podcast recording hosted at Port Independent in Sunderland.

Artists & creatives of various disciplines are invited to "step up to the microphone" to share recent projects, the process behind their work, and the lessons they've learned along the way. This is a critically supportive community - inviting the audience to share reflections on each project, and celebrate creative practice.

We’ve had four ArtyParti Show & Tell events so far - and we have a fifth on the horizon! If you fancy joining Show & Tell #5 in person, please put this date in your diary - Thursday the 25th of September 2025, from 6pm, at Port Independent in Sunderland.

Artists & Creatives featured in the episode:

• Becca Latham - Freelance Graphic Designer

Fresh from a commission with TOWN to map the cultural scene of Sunniside in Sunderland, Becca Latham shares her digitally illustrated map of the area and its buildings.

• Daniel Waterston - Abstract Artist, Illustrator, Animator, Musician

With a sign in his studio reminding him to “not draw shapes”, Daniel Waterston shares how his travels inspired his series of abstract paintings.

• Helen Wardropper - Business Advisor, North East BIC

Representing the North East BIC, a service supporting business development, including for artists and creatives, Helen Wardropper shares her experience as a caricaturist and how that influences her role as a business advisor.

• Sully Alenezi - Designer & Illustrator

Exploring the Bedouin culture from his home country of Kuwait, Sully Alenezi shares his fabric prints and his digital sketchbook exploring folklore, immigration, culture, and collaboration.

More about ArtyParti:
ArtyParti is a twice-monthly podcast, events series, and community platform that celebrates the work of artists and creatives. Now an independent podcast, ArtyParti brings artists and creatives together to share about their projects & passions, promote events and exhibitions, and offer insight and advice on developing creative practice.

• Our website - www.artyparti.com
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• Instagram - @Arty_Parti_
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

Our supporters and funders:

The ArtyParti podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our generous Patreon backers. Your contributions help us keep the podcast going, support local artists, and grow our creative events. Every pledge makes a difference.

• Zoe Broad - Writer & Director
• Danielle Chamberlin - Watercolour Artist
• Sarah Drummond - Vegan Creative
• Chantal Herbert - DJ, & Founder of Sister Shack
• Jo Howell - Photographic Artist
• Auburn Langley - Writer, & Director of the Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
• Carrie McGovern - Contemporary Romance Author
• Angela Sandwith - Mixed-Media Artist
• Peter Scott - Writer, Props Master, & Voice Actor
• Stephanie Smith - Visual Artist
• Tony Stamp - Aspiring Writer, Student, & Dabbler

In an earlier episode, we met the founder of the new Sunderland Lit and Phil Society, Auburn Langley. This group now host monthly panel discussions - talking about issues and challenges that affect people in Sunderland across a range of sectors. From now onwards, they’re in Pop Recs, but we were there for last month’s Lit and Phil in the place where the original society used to meet - the Abject Gallery upstairs in the Athenaeum building.

With a focus on publishing, last month’s panel discussed the challenges facing the publishing industry, as it continues to evolve, and how other arts and cultural organisations are beginning to explore small-scale publishing as they grow - along with useful resources to help writers, poets, and authors along the way.

Voices featured in the episode:

• Auburn Langley - Founder, Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
• Liz Dean - Freelance Author, Editorial Consultant, & Poet
• Kym Deyn - Poet, Speculative Fiction Writer, Founder of The Braag CIC
• Dr. Alexandra Collinson - Fundraising Director, Sunderland Literacy Aid
• Helen Wilkinson - Poet, Director of King Ink CIC
• Gerard Purvis - Director, Harbour Printworks CIC

More about ArtyParti:

• Our website - www.artyparti.com
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• Instagram - @Arty_Parti_
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

Our supporters and funders:

The ArtyParti podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our generous Patreon backers:

• Zoe Broad - Writer & Director
• Danielle Chamberlin - Watercolour Artist
• Chantal Herbert - Founder of Sister Sounds and Sister Shack
• Jo Howell - Photographic Artist
• Angela Sandwith - Mixed-Media Artist
• Stephanie Smith - Visual Artist

Poetry, novels, audio drama, mixed media storytelling, flash fiction, stand-up, and short story writing. The stars just so happened to align at our second Show & Tell back in December, in the creative cafe and clothing store ‘Port Independent’, that every attendee who shared their practice were working with creative writing and storytelling:

Poet and printmaker Hester Dowling shares two poetical pieces, inspired by real life moments that stuck with her - both whimsical, and heart-gripping.

With her self published book 'Stand Up Mam', author Kay Wilson drew from her own career as a stand-up comedienne when piecing together her novel.

Challenging himself to write a series of interconnected 101-word stories, Thomas Nixon shares eight short pieces that tackle an invention that would become humanity’s downfall.

Retelling the story of Eros and Psyche from Greek mythology, Benjamin Moore shares a draft of the opening section of an audio drama that he’s written and directed.

Multi-disciplinary artist Mim Robson challenged herself to a 100-Days of Storytelling project, turning scraps of paper and cut-up books into a series of short stories told inside matchboxes and tiny frames.

And feeling newly inspired to keep writing, Gerard Purvis tells a dark and subversive tale of the monsters in the shadows of your room, in a short story called ‘The Bad Man’.

Our artists and creatives featured in the episode:

• Hester Dowling - Poet and Printmaker
• Kay Wilson - Author, 'Stand Up Mam'
• Thomas Nixon - Flash Fiction Writer
• Benjamin Moore - Audio Drama Writer & Producer
• Mim Robson - Multi-disciplinary Artist - Textiles & Printmaking
• Gerard Purvis - Director, Harbour Printworks CIC

More about ArtyParti:

• Our website - www.artyparti.com
• Bluesky - @ArtyParti
• Instagram - @Arty_Parti_
• A Jay Sykes Media podcast

Our supporters and funders:

The ArtyParti podcast is made possible thanks to the support of our generous Patreon backers:

• Danielle Chamberlin - Watercolour Artist
• Chantal Herbert - Founder of Sister Sounds and Sister Shack
• Jo Howell - Photographic Artist
• Angela Sandwith - Mixed-Media Artist
• Stephanie Smith - Visual Artist