Sunderland city centre art benches donated to Wearside schools

A popular community art project is now moving to three new homes – which is sitting just right with a handful of city schools.

Sunderland BID worked with the Art Room Sunderland back in 2021 to create art benches, which involved community groups and young people in painting them on a particular theme.

The eye-catching benches – which also had space for plants - were installed at key locations around the city and were updated twice yearly with new pictures on, again created by youngsters and groups from across the city.

And now they are going to find a new lease of life, after being donated to three schools.

Biddick Primary School in Washington, Eppleton Academy Primary School and Nursery in Hetton and Hudson Road Primary School in Sunderland are all now the proud owners of the benches – and are making good use of them.

"We are very grateful to Sunderland BID for the donation of some of the city art benches which have added a wonderful splash of colour to our outdoor play areas,”  said Cathy Westgate, head teacher at Hudson Road.

“The children love them as it’s somewhere to sit and read or chat with friends at playtimes. Our Cub Scouts are going to look after the planters and have plans to grow flowers and vegetables."

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive at Sunderland BID is delighted that the benches have gone to a good home.

“The benches have been a great attraction over the past three years but we feel that they have now run their course,” she said.

“We wanted to make sure they could continue to be appreciated and we know each of the three schools will look after them and make great use of them.”

Although the benches have now gone, some of the artwork still remains and can be seen in the pedestrian tunnel linking the city centre to the area close to Asiana Fusion Restaurant.