City project scoops prestigious awards
A young people’s project has won two prestigious High Sheriff Awards.
The Celebrate Different Collective is a group of young people from across Wearside, who meet weekly, supported by Sunderland Culture.
The Collective’s members, agedbetween13and25,co-produce and run their own events as well as working with artists and learning new practical skills while helping get their voices heard and inspire other young people across Sunderland.
At an online ceremony involving The High Sheriff of Tyne & Wear, Sarah Stewart OBE, the collective won a SunderlandAwardandthenaSunderland District Award.
Rachel Hamer, Young People and Communities ProduceratSunderlandCulture,said: “TheHighSheriffshowedgreat interest in what the Collective wasdoingandtheyaskedsome great questions of her.
“It was great to meet her and we were thrilled to win two categories at the awards, in recognition of the work they weredoingbeforethepandemic hit and their determination to keep meeting and planning since March last year.
“The Awards come with £750 and £1,250 respectively.
“Despite the lockdowns, the Collective has been busy – it met with the Arts Council
Collection’s Director and, Arts Council England’s Deputy Chief Executive, for a roundtable discussion; it is co-curating another exhibition for SunderlandMuseum&Winter Gardens this Autumn, while members are also studying for their Silver and Gold Arts Awards.”
The High Sheriff said: “Their work with young people, providing much-needed opportunitiesandsupport,has never been more important than over the past 12 months.”