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Sunderland businesses cross the Atlantic

Glassmakers, two poets and a couple of rock bands… all part of a trade mission from Sunderland heading for Washington DC. They will be showcasing their work for a week at the Artomatic exhibition that begins at the end of the month.

A similar Sunderland City Council led mission was organised last year, focusing entirely on glass, and this year’s work again builds on the links forged between Sunderland and Washington DC after the two cities signed a Friendship Agreement in 2006.

The City Council is developing a strategy to support creative industries in Sunderland so the city keeps the talent emerging from the City of Sunderland College and the University of Sunderland, as well as helping existing creative businesses through showcasing opportunities regionally, nationally and internationally.

Cllr Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This is a great opportunity for Sunderland’s creative businesses as they exhibit in the capital of the United States, promote their work and help forge even stronger links with our friends in Washington DC.

“Sunderland has been very successful in diversifying its economy with financial and customer services, and automotive manufacturing, and sees the development of a thriving creative industries sector as a further step in strengthening the city’s economy.”

Last year’s exhibition has been hailed as a great success and Sunderland glass artists accounted for 80 per cent of the sales. This year’s exhibition is again being supported by Sunderland City Council, and the British Embassy and Mayor’s Office in Washington DC.

One of the exhibitors is Roker based Phil Vickery (30) who is exhibiting eight pieces of contemporary sculptural glasswork and demonstrating his working techniques.

Mr Vickery has an MA from Sunderland University and has been the artist in residence at the National Glass Centre. This will be his second visit to Washington.

He said: “I and others have had a lot of support from the Cohesion Glass Network and this year’s exhibition is another great opportunity to make contacts, sales and further raise Sunderland’s profile.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .