Future Talent

As part of Sunderland’s regeneration programme, Art of Protest set up a private/public partnership under the banner of Future Walls. This bespoke programme has been designed specifically to address the building of capacity and capability of street art within the Sunderland city region. Launched in partnership with Sunderland BID, the programme’s principal aim is to enrich and enliven the streets of the city centre as part of the revitalisation of major built infrastructure projects which are transforming the fabric of the North East city.

True placemaking is only possible if the identity and culture of a city and its people can engage with the ambition of the proposed transformation. As with all great public art – it must be created with the public for the public. Therefore, as part of AOP’s methodology and ethos, we have hardwired a talent programme ‘Future Talent’ into the regeneration programme. This aims to provide development pathways for both emerging and practising artists and creatives in the city to collaborate with AOP, connecting this emerging talent base to internationally renowned artists, local businesses and communities. Working in collaboration with local schools, FE College and the University, AOP and the Future Walls programme have engaged with over 2,000 young people in the last 12 months through the running of spray paint workshops in schools, colleges and at festivals. Alongside this programme of creative learning, we make channels available for young creatives to participate in some of the street art installations and murals that the Sunderland BID and Sunderland City Council have commissioned as part of their placemaking agenda.