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Ahead of the new Β£6m arts and business centre "thePlace" opening this year, local artists had their inspired visual masterpieces for all to see by having their video creations projected on to shop and cafΓ© windows in Sunniside.

Many businesses got involved

The films were made by 15 artists from the area in response to Sunderland-based Art-Wave's brief to highlight the regeneration work going on in what was once the traditional heart of the City.

The project which is called On Screen In Street took place near Sunniside Gardens on Thursday 31 January and Saturday 2 February.

A cultural city

One of the businesses that has jumped on board is The Picture Framer and owner Keith Weaver explains why:

"It's a good boost for the area, there is a lot of talent around Sunderland and it's nice to have a platform to show it.

"Anything and anywhere that brings normally unseen work to a public arena will only endorse and promote Sunderland as a cultural city," says Keith.

Carl and Ed with Concrete Canvas

Paul Brooks from Art-Wave explains how this exhibition is different from any other

"It's allowing art to filter into places where it wouldn't normally be seen.

"Sunniside is a very interesting place, it's got a fantastic potential and a very good future. It's a place where creativity will occur so that merging of art with businesses is a very interesting one and I think it's working!"

Alternative platform

Emily Taylor is from Sunniside Partnerships and she explained how this will give new opportunity for local talent:

"We're trying to work with artists to retain the talent that is coming out of the local universities and the local art groups that may struggle to get studio space and offer them an alternative platform."

A new outlet for artists

Listen to the full interviews with Emily Taylor and Keith Weaver and more:

Local artist Sam Watson has multiple films on show such as Just For A Moment and Tired Eyes and he is pleased that Sunniside was chosen as the blank canvas.

He said: "I think there needs to be a lot more things going on in Sunderland and Sunniside is the perfect place to have that happening."