Culture House seeks Sunderland's unsung heroes for opening day honour
Residents are being invited to nominate the people who make the city a better place, with 52 local heroes set to play a starring role when the landmark venue opens in September
Sunderland residents are being invited to nominate the people they believe make the biggest difference to life in the city as part of the opening celebrations for the long-awaited Culture House Sunderland.
The landmark venue, which opens on September 12, is looking for up to 52 people from across Sunderland to take part in a large-scale ribbon-cutting ceremony designed to place local people at the centre of the occasion.
The initiative aims to recognise individuals who have made a positive contribution to their communities or the wider city through volunteering, creativity, education, business, sport, culture, charity work or simple acts of kindness. Organisers are particularly keen to hear about people whose efforts often go unnoticed despite making a lasting difference to those around them.
Following the opening celebrations, each of the 52 selected individuals will be featured in turn over the following year in Culture House Sunderland’s Local Studies space, creating a permanent record of the people helping to shape the city and its communities.
Councillor Ciera Hudspith, Sunderland City Council’s portfolio holder for culture, tourism and heritage, said: “Culture House is for the people of Sunderland, so it feels only right that residents from across the city should be front and centre when it opens.
“We know there are countless individuals in our city who go above and beyond for others, often without recognition. This is an opportunity to shine a light on those people and celebrate the positive impact they make, day in and day out, in Sunderland.”
Organisers expect to receive a large number of nominations. A panel made up of people from across Sunderland will review submissions before selecting the final 52 representatives, with successful nominees chosen for the stories they tell about the city’s character, pride and community spirit.
Culture House Sunderland has been developed as a major new cultural and community hub in the city centre, bringing together library services, exhibitions, learning spaces, events and opportunities for residents and visitors.
Anyone wishing to nominate a local hero is asked to email Culture.House@sunderland.gov.uk, including the nominee’s name and a short explanation of why they deserve to be recognised as part of this historic opening celebration.