Life Drawing in Sunderland, Beginner Friendly and Inclusive

Join us for an inclusive life drawing session at Port Independent in the heart of Sunderland! This unique event is open to artists of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Whether you're looking to hone your skills or just try something new in a welcoming environment, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with other creatives in the North East.

Events are PWYF, but we suggest three ticket options.

Subsidised Admission £8

Standard Admission £12

Supporter Admission £16

Carer Tickets Free (Limited)Pay what you can – each ticket gets the same experience. Higher tiers support those who can’t afford full cost right now.

This workshop will feature nudity. Please be mindful and respectful of this.

Hosted at Port Independent—a vibrant coffee shop, clothing store, and social space—we provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone to express their creativity. Life drawing is a fantastic way to develop your artistic abilities, improve observation skills, and explore new techniques.

Expect a relaxed atmosphere. Limited materials will be provided, inclusing paper and pencils, but feel free to bring your own if you have a preferred medium.

Guidance

• Participants are expected to be respectful of the model and other participants at all times. Phone use will be limited during the workshop to respect the model's privacy.
• Please let me know beforehand if you have any needs we can accommodate, and we will do our best to meet them.
• We aim to offer an inclusive space that is LGBTQ+ friendly and against racism and discrimination.
• Photographs will be taken during the session for promotional purposes. Please let the host know if you would like to opt out of this.
• Music will be playing during the session. If you are sensitive to noise, please bring headphones/ earplugs.
• The session is guided by a workshop facilitator. The facilitator will facilitate the session and give brief guidance to attendees.
• We try to hire a diverse range of models from the local area. If you would like to model please get in touch. Models are paid £15 per hour.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

What is Creative Workshops NE CIC?

Creative Workshops CIC is a community enterprise / non-profit organisation that serves the northeast region. We aim to provide creative workshops to underserved communities that increase well-being outcomes through creative practice.

Assessing the space

When you arrive, the shutters on the front of the building will be down, but the side door will be open from 6pm.

Please get in touch with the venue if you have any access requirements.

• There is a gender-neutral bathroom available
• Seating includes standard café chairs; if you need a chair with arms, back support, or floor space for cushions, feel free to bring your own or notify us in advance.
• Music will be playing during the session. If you’re sound-sensitive, we suggest bringing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.

Travel

• Port Independent is a short walk from the nearby Sunderland Metro Station.

The image below shows the closed front shutters and the open side door.

Info: Doors open at 6:00pm, with the session beginning promptly at 6:10pm. Please note that the shutters at Port Independent will only be lifted around five minutes before the start, so we kindly ask attendees not to arrive too early. This short arrival window allows time to get settled, grab a drink, and find your spot before we begin.

Info: Victoria Doyle is an interdisciplinary Artist from South Tyneside. Their practice is concerned with Photography and Learning. Victoria works with a range of artists and arts, community, and educational organisations such as; Curious Arts (a charity developing LGBTQIA+ arts/artists/audiences in the North of England), and Revolv Collective (a self-organised artist-led community championing collective working and collaboration).

Info: The session will begin with a series of fast-paced warm-up poses, each lasting between one and two minutes, to help loosen up your drawing hand and build confidence in capturing movement and form.

Info: We'll move into a series of short poses, each around eight minutes long, with brief comfort breaks in between to allow for rest and adjustment.

Info: In the second half of the session, we'll move into longer poses, each lasting around 12 minutes.

Info: We’ll spend the last ten minutes wrapping up,v and packing away materials. You’re welcome to chat, share work, or ask any final questions before heading off.

Also check out other Arts events in Sunderland, Workshops in Sunderland, Fine Arts events in Sunderland.