We're celebrating people who've made a contribution to Sunderland life
People who’ve made a contribution to city life have been turned into artworks by local schoolchildren.
Pupils from Broadway Junior School have been getting crafty for NATRE Spirited Arts competition.
Organised by the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE), the competition encourages young minds to explore diversity within their community through artistic expression.
Their brilliant efforts resulted in an arts exhibition hosted at the school, celebrating a host of local people who’ve made a difference to life in Sunderland.
Many of those pictured headed to the school to check out their portraits for a special presentation, including the Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Ehthesham Haque and his wife Zaf; Graeme from Sunderland Inter-Faith Forum Ambassadors; Andy and Louise from Wearside Youth for Christ; Ram from Young Asian Voices; Michael Ganley from Sunderland Fans Museum; John and Ayo from Sunderland Samba; and Kristjaan Speakman (Sporting Director at Sunderland AFC).
Supported by Sunderland City Council’s Community Chest fund, the project allowed pupils to take part in the NATRE Spirited Arts Competition and create artwork inspired by ten remarkable individuals whose contributions enrich life across Sunderland.
The students’ artwork has also been celebrated beyond the school.
Two of the pieces—Andy and Louise and The Mayor’s Piece—were transformed into professionally printed postcards for a local competition organised by Sunderland Art’s Café.
As well as this, the work was proudly showcased earlier this year at The Mayor's civic celebration in September.
David Walton-Jonas, headteacher at Broadway Junior School, said : “Altogether, the exhibition highlighted not only outstanding artistic achievement but also the strong community spirit, diversity, and shared humanity that make Broadway Junior School such a special place to learn and grow.