‘Shout about what we have’
Blogger Sarah Jayne Adams believes that Sunderland is often forgotten when it comes to culture.
She thinks people underestimate the city, and this is something she hopes to change by becoming involved in the bid to be named UK City of Culture 2021.
That’s why the 25-yearold, from South Hylton, agreed to become a community champion for Sunderland’s bid.
Sarah feels that winning the bid would give Sunderland a much-needed confidence boost.
“Sunderland is such a close-knit community and I think all we need is that little boost,” she said.
“It’s all about shouting about what we have here, and once people see it and they know about it, then they’ll come.”
Through her blogging, the Sunderland University graduate already tries to raise awareness of all the opportunities in the city.
By drawing attention to some of the changes afoot as well as the city’s assets, she believes Sunderland can make an impact.
Sunderland is up against Coventry, Paisley, Swansea and Stoke as it bids to be named UK City of Culture.
A successful bid would put the city firmly into the cultural spotlight, attracting millions of pounds into the local economy through investment in the arts and an increase in visitors and jobs.
It would kick-start a fouryear period of growth, innovation and creativity and culminate in a year of cultural and artistic events.
Final second-round bids must be submitted by September 29, and the successful city will be announced in Hull, the current UK City of Culture, in December