The Bunker has been at the heart of music, creativity and culture in the city of Sunderland for nearly 40 years.
Acting as a platform for thousands of musicians and artists, many of whom go on to reach national and international stages, The Bunker is well recognised as a unique force, providing a creative outlet for youth in Sunderland and contributed significantly to the North East region’s cultural economy.
Rehearsal room and recording facilities are the core of The Bunker’s services, providing a base and space to develop for bands and artists. We also work with a range of local venues and arts organisations to provide development opportunities and encourage cultural activity in Sunderland. Additionally, we deliver training, development and career guidance on a range of music/arts-related topics to budding musicians and young people in Sunderland.
People turn to The Bunker as a credible and unique facility which is able to deliver initiatives which combat a variety of social inclusion and addiction issues, as well as approaching re-engagement of young people into education and learning. Our staff members are always on hand to discuss projects or offer advice to local community organisations, and The Bunker’s wide range of equipment and facilities are made available in accordance with circumstance.
Engaging participants in musical activity works to improve both self esteem and self confidence on several levels. Primarily, participating in musical activity forms a common theme, music - in which the members can form discussions which encourage interaction and allow members to become familiar with each other.
Progressively, these improvements in communication increase the individual’s ability to express opinion, give and receive compliments, analyse and critique. Group processes help form friendships and limbic connections and a feeling of belonging becomes more apparent.
Now at the time when our community needs us most, enforced isolation due to COVID-19 has meant that a vital creative output has been postponed, we are all concerned about the effects of social isolation on our participants, staff and young people in Sunderland and the surrounding areas.
This is our campaign to relaunch and be ready for our Community when restrictions are finally lifted.
