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Innovation in action! Explore the Expo Sunderland Pavilion’s inspiring 2025 programme
A striking focal point for Expo Sunderland, the Expo Sunderland Pavilion, is set to enhance the heart of the city with a pioneering programme fusing arts, culture, music and innovative technology.
Situated in Keel Square, this striking modern structure features one of the UK’s largest semi-transparent LED screens, measuring an impressive 20m x 5m. Below the screen is a versatile events space, perfect for a variety of occasions and experiences.
Designed to educate, inspire and influence, the Pavilion represents a bold step forward for Sunderland as a Smart City and a hub for innovation. In collaboration with Culture House, its programme promises to captivate and engage visitors through an exciting mix of exhibitions and live events.
In advance of Culture House opening its doors later this year, the Pavilion will serve as a space for the local community to explore emerging technologies and experience multimedia storytelling aimed at captivating the imagination of audiences locally, nationally and internationally.
Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, explained: “The Expo Sunderland Pavilion is a dynamic reflection of our city’s ever-changing landscape.
“This space will bring to life amazing multimedia displays with an array of arts, culture, music and interactive technologies, offering visitors and residents the chance to connect with new ideas that shape the way we live, work and play. It’s a space where creativity meets technology, inspiring residents and visitors alike to imagine a brighter future.”
From 25th February 2025, the screen will come to life with a dynamic programme featuring interactive experiences, family-friendly activities and cutting-edge tech content, alongside multimedia showcases of global artists’ work– a chance for local people to see some of the best in digital art from across the world.
There will also be community events designed to bring Sunderland residents and visitors together, fostering collaboration, creativity and connection.
Showcasing some of the emerging immersive and creative digital innovation that Culture House will bring when it opens, the Pavilion will feature exciting announcements in the spring and summer seasons, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
Kath MacLeod, Director of External Relations at the University of Sunderland, Expo Sunderland’s Headline Sponsor, said: “The Expo Sunderland Pavillion is another fantastic addition to the City Centre, making Sunderland an even more vibrant place for everyone who lives, works and studies here.
“We’re looking forward to showcasing what’s happening at the University, from celebrating our amazing graduates, to sharing the work of our creative industries students or the results of research projects that are having a real impact on our community.”
As part of Sunderland’s Smart City strategy, the Pavilion showcases how digital innovation can shape everyday life. The project is being spearheaded by Sunderland City Council in collaboration in the North East Combined Authority, as part of an investment from The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s (DSIT) ‘5G Innovation Regions (5GIR)’ programme.
This funding is accelerating advanced wireless connectivity across the North East, with the Pavilion standing as a shining example of how technology and culture can intersect to create shared experiences.
The Pavilion is a space for everyone to explore their ideas. Whether you’re passionate about arts and culture, intrigued by smart technologies or simply curious about the future of living, the Pavilion has something for you.
To stay updated on the latest events and announcements, visit www.exposunderland.com/expo-pavilion and follow @ExpoSunderland on Instagram and Facebook.
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About the Expo Sunderland Pavilion
The Expo Sunderland Pavilion, in collaboration with Culture House Sunderland - The National Centre for Creative Smart Cities - is a landmark project designed to showcase the city’s commitment to innovation, creativity and sustainability. Featuring a state-of-the-art LED screen and events space, it serves as a hub for education, inspiration and community engagement, positioning Sunderland as a global leader in Smart City initiatives.
About Expo Sunderland
Expo Sunderland celebrates collaborative ambition to find innovative solutions that deliver net-zero goals and create flourishing, healthy, sustainable cities. The location is Riverside Sunderland - the UK’s most ambitious city centre regeneration creating a carbon neutral urban quarter at the heart of the city.
About Culture House Sunderland
Culture House Sunderland, National Centre for Creative Smart Cities is a multi-purpose cultural venue, bringing together programmes of art technology and culture.
Creating a living room in the heart of the city where everyone feels welcome and loves to spend time. Opening in Keel Square this autumn. The venue will be home to the City Library, and will be packed with interactive, digital, educational features, with a year-round programme of things to do and see.
Media contact: Taimar Askew at Cool Blue Brand Communications, taimar.askew@coolblue.co.uk 07554 000374
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