Ellen Thinnesen, Principal at Sunderland College, is a firm supporter of Sunderland’s City of Culture bid. Here she explains why.
Winning the title City of Culture 2021 would be hugely important for Sunderland, particularly for our young people. We need to show the next generation that there is a bright and exciting future here in Sunderland, and young people can achieve and fulfil their ambitions and dreams on Wearside.
Young people are the future of our city, and we must create a city of opportunity for them; a city that ignites their creativity and provides them with a vibrant environment where they can realise their potential. A successful 2021 bid would help do just that.
It wouldn’t just be about the year itself, although the world-class programme of arts and culture events, workshops and seminars would certainly excite young people and give them a sense of pride in their city. There would be once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for both audiences and performers.
But a successful bid would be far more than an unforgettable year of cultural highs – the legacy of being City of Culture should be truly transformational for the city and its young people. 2021 might be the year Sunderland comes of age culturally, but its benefits and impacts will be felt for decades to come.
And there’s no doubt a momentum is building in the city towards 2021, and Sunderland College is playing its part in that. We have worked incredibly hard to create a learning environment that is aspirational and inspiring. Our stunning new Arts Academy – opened in 2014 – is a truly state-of-the-art space and one that really is making a huge difference to our students’ experience when they study with us.
And we’re not alone – there are many infrastructure projects – including the MAC Trust’s Creative Quarter and the University of Sunderland’s new FabLab – which are creating the physical spaces the city needs to nurture its talent and increase our capacity as a creative city. There is still a way to go, but the city is starting to deliver the quality and quantity of venues needed to host the City of Culture.
So the buildings are starting to appear – but the right people are already in place. The small but passionate team tasked with leading the bid have impressed, and they certainly understand that young people need to be at the very heart of the bid.
Ellen Thinnesen, Principal and Chief Executive of Sunderland College
