Celebrating the people and stories of Sunderland with new community mural

A new community artwork celebrating Sunderland’s people, memories and stories has been unveiled at Thorney Close Best Start Family Hub.

Over the last year, parents and carers, schools and community groups have shared their own Sunderland Stories to form part of a mural about what the city means to the people who call it home.

Artist Sally Southern worked with groups connected to the Thorney Close and Winnibell Best Start Family Hub in Hendon, to turn their stories, ideas and experiences into the Sunderland Stories artwork.

The mural has been painted directly onto a wall at Thorney Close Best Start Family Hub, creating a permanent "Story Corridor" that celebrates the memories, voices and histories of local people.

Families gathered at the hub for the official unveiling and had the opportunity to contribute to the final section of the artwork, ensuring their own stories become part of the finished piece.

Sunderland Stories was commissioned by The Cultural Spring as part of Sunderland, Our Home, a project designed to bring communities closer together, build understanding, and celebrate local identity through shared storytelling, creative activities, and events.

Carol Carr from Thorney Close contributed to Sunderland Stories with her children. Her five-year-old daughter Effie Hiles created a self-portrait that reflected her pride in living in Sunderland and let her express her creativity, and sister Evie Hiles, aged 10, chose to create a picture of Roker Beach, because it’s a place that’s special to her where she feels calm, happy, and at peace.

Carol said: “It was lovely to see them express through art what this place means to them personally.

"Our family has absolutely loved attending the weekly art club with Sally, it has been such a lovely opportunity for us to spend quality time together, get creative, and celebrate the city we are so proud to call home.

"These sessions have meant so much to us as a family. They have given my children the opportunity to express themselves, share what makes them happy, and feel connected to the community around them."

Artist Sally Southern, who designed and created the artwork, said: “I’ve loved hearing the memories, thoughts and special moments of life in Sunderland, and seeing all the things that bring communities together. We’ve had many beautiful stories, from very simple appreciations of family and friends to big life changing moments, and I hope the finished result is a humorous, touching and warm reflection of the fabulous residents of Sunderland.”

Karen Davison, Director of Early Help at Together for Children, said: "This artwork is a wonderful reflection of the communities we work alongside every day. Through Best Start Family Hubs, we want children, families and local groups to feel connected, valued and heard, and this project has provided a creative and meaningful way for people to share what Sunderland means to them.

"The mural captures local voices and experiences in a permanent piece of artwork that will be enjoyed for years to come. It has brought people together, encouraged conversations and created opportunities for families to connect through a shared sense of pride in where they live."

Emma Biggins, Community Engagement Coordinator at The Cultural Spring, said: "Sunderland Stories is all about bringing people together to share their own experiences and celebrate our neighbourhoods.

“Working with Sunderland Best Start Family Hubs, we commissioned artist Sally Southern and invited local groups, families and residents to share what Sunderland means to them. We wanted to bring people together through art and storytelling to give local residents a creative platform to express what makes their community special and highlight everything that connects us."

Sunderland Stories was commissioned by The Cultural Spring using funding from Culture Start, Arts Council England alongside the UK Government via Sunderland City Council.

Cllr Carol Giles, Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Education and Social Mobility, said: "Sunderland Stories is a great example of how creativity can bring people together and celebrate what makes our city special. This mural reflects the voices, experiences and memories of local people, creating something that is both personal to the families involved and meaningful for the wider community.

"It's fantastic to see the finished artwork take pride of place at Thorney Close Best Start Family Hub, where it will continue to inspire conversations and celebrate Sunderland's communities for years to come."