Get InspirEd: Partnerships, Priorities and Possibilities in Cultural Education conference

The first Get InspirEd Conference brought together 74 delegates from across Sunderland and the North East - including 27 from primary schools, 10 from secondary, 19 from further and higher education, and 18 from cultural and other organisations - for a day of inspiration, connection and practical ideas for cultural education.

Hosted by the Sunderland Cultural Education Partnership and Culture House, the conference explored how partnerships between schools and cultural organisations can strengthen creativity, inclusion and wellbeing across education.

Keynote speakers Naveed Idrees, award-winning headteacher, and Derri Burdon, Chief Executive of Curious Minds, set an energising tone for the day. Naveed spoke about The Power of Possibility, the transformative role of culture and music in education, while Derri explored The Power of Priorities, outlining national developments including the new National Centre for Arts and Music Education.

The event also featured new insights from the Sunderland Cultural Education Mapping Exercise, presented by Julie Ward, highlighting local strengths, needs and opportunities for creative collaboration.

A lively panel discussion on The Power of Partnerships followed, chaired by Lizzie Nixon (Culture House) with Andrew Garrad (NECA), Derri Burdon (Curious Minds), Leila d’Aronville (North East Cultural Freelancers), Alison Forster (Headteacher), Sarah Marsden (Sunderland Empire), Vicki Kennedy (Sunderland Culture), and Sarah Hammond (Pennywell Fellowship).

Delegates then enjoyed lunch and a creative marketplace showcasing local arts opportunities before taking part in a choice of workshops, including:

- Working with creative freelancers – Leila d’Aronville (Founder North East Cultural Freelancers)
- Speed Arting – Jay Sykes (Lecturer and audio producer)
- Handling the curriculum: culture through objects – Jennie Lambert (Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens)
- Embedding the arts in everything – Samantha Ridley (Sunningdale School)
- Where’s the drama? – Sarah Marsden (Sunderland Empire)
- Digital creativity in the classroom – Roisin Coull (Sunderland Software City)

The day closed with reflections on what schools and organisations need next, setting clear priorities for InspirED’s future work and a shared commitment to ensuring every child and young person in Sunderland has access to rich, creative experiences.

Council Chamber, City Hall, Sunderland

Friday 17 October 2025