Proposal Brief: Solidarity Sunderland – A Monument and Community Arts Project
- Executive Summary and Project Purpose
This document outlines the core aims and first strategic roadmap for the Solidarity Sunderland project, detailing its production, management, and financing for partners and stakeholders. - Core Project Concept and Rationale
Solidarity Sunderland aims to create a people-centric monument and dynamic community participation project, led by Sunderland’s young people. Its central idea is to highlight Sunderland’s significant, often overlooked, role in the anti-fascist struggle during the Spanish Civil War. This includes commemorating International Brigades volunteers and vital efforts such as helping Basque child refugees to safety and using ships to break naval blockades, demonstrating immense international solidarity. This model draws inspiration from the
successful Solidarity Park in Malgrat de Mar, Catalunya, which operates on a core
methodology of Memory, Education, and Art, and has received support from both the Catalan regional government and the local city council of Malgrat de Mar.
This project is highly relevant, offering a powerful narrative of courage and collective action. It connects Sunderland’s industrial heritage and community spirit to global human rights stories, fostering dialogue on contemporary issues. By engaging residents, especially youth, in this history, the project actively contributes to Sunderland’s regeneration and cultural identity, reflecting the city’s enduring resilience and the spirit of collective effort, as recently demonstrated in the community clean-up following the Sunderland events in 2024. - Main Outcomes and Anticipated Impact
The project aims for several key outcomes, fostering cultural, historical, economic, and community benefits:
● A Unique Public Art Landmark: Develop a distinctive, living monument promoting Sunderland’s anti-fascist history. This landmark will enhance the city’s public realm and serve as a focal point for civic pride.
● Empowered Community Participation: Implement inclusive, co-creative
engagement to educate and build pride in the city’s solidarity legacy. This will foster social cohesion, develop youth skills, and deepen shared ownership.
● Enhanced City Recognition: Elevate Sunderland’s national and international
standing. By linking to anti-fascism and international solidarity, the project will boost the city’s profile, attract cultural tourism, and support creative industries.
● Multi-faceted Cultural Hub: Establish the monument and a connected annual
festival as a dynamic hub for ongoing community activities, arts, music, and
education, ensuring a lasting legacy. - Key Partnerships
This project relies on collaborative relationships with essential partners, offering expertise and support. We invite all partners to join us in co-creating a lasting cultural and historical legacy for Sunderland.
Proposed opening Partners:
● Solidarity Sunderland campaign group
● Solidarity Park International and Association Solidarity Park (Catalunya)
● Sunderland City Council
● Sunderland Culture
● Sunderland College
● Sunderland University
● Sunderland Heritage Partnership
● FODI, Unity in the Community, Sunderland Unites and Trade Unions and others
● Sunderland BID - Project Strands
Solidarity Sunderland will be delivered through distinct, interconnected components:
● Historical Research & Exhibition: Ongoing research, documentation, and public exhibition of Sunderland’s Spanish Civil War involvement, including the International Brigades, Basque children, and local shipping in humanitarian efforts, ensuring this vital history is accessible.
● Community Participation & Engagement: A robust program including workshops, exhibitions, and street activities. This culminates in a yearly city-wide festival combining historical debate with diverse art and culture. Student exchanges with international partners, particularly in Spain through Solidarity Park International’s proven Memory, Education, and Art methodology, will foster cross-cultural dialogue. Workshops will encourage participants to create art that will be integrated into the monument.
● Monument Creation: A collaborative process engaging young Sunderland artists with lead artist Rob MacDonald. They will be central to the monument’s design, promotion, and construction, reflecting local talent and community voice. This provides a unique opportunity for young people and the wider community to gain access to sculpture workshops and directly participate in the planning, design, and implementation process of a significant public artwork. - Project Timeline (Subject to Consultation with Partners)
This timeline outlines the key phases and milestones for the Solidarity Sunderland project, understanding that specific dates will be confirmed through ongoing partner consultations:
● September 2025: Pilot community engagement activities commence, alongside
initial networking, presentations to partners, and consultations.
● By end of year 2025: The comprehensive Paid Feasibility Study is completed.
● 2026: Full community engagement activities begin.
● Summer 2026 – Summer 2027: Intensive monument design and creation period.
● July 2027: Monument is in place and officially inaugurated. - Project Phases and Roadmap
The project is envisioned across three broad phases, with a clear roadmap for development and implementation:
Phase 1: Foundation and Pilots
● Campaign Group Establishment:(Currently In Progress) Formation of the core
campaign group. There was a very successful launch in April 2024 with a wide range of the Sunderland community present. The Campaign group meets regularly and continues to grow and have deep roots in the community.
● Partner Engagement & Concept Development:(Currently In Progress)Ongoing
refinement of core ideas with partners, including a series of presentations to
from September 2025.
● Community Participation Pilot: (Currently In Progress) Pilot engagement with
young people begins, including Rob MacDonald’s artist residency at Sunderland
College’s Art Department starting September 2025, involving all art students. Plus a number of local events planned for the Autumn of 2025. This will test methods and gather initial input.
● Paid Feasibility Study and Management Proposal: Need to Commission a
comprehensive study from Solidarity Park International and project manager Rob MacDonald. This will define the full budget, long-term funding strategy (including public/union contributions), detailed timeline, and robust governance structure, including maintenance provisions.
Phase 2: Implementation
● Full Community Participation Programme: Scaled-up roll-out of community
engagement activities.
● Monument Design and Construction: Commencement of detailed design and
build.
● Legal and Financial Structuring: Establishment of necessary legal and financing frameworks, securing major grants and co-funding.
Phase 3: Launch and Consolidation
● Monument Inauguration: Official unveiling and celebration of the completed
monument, marked by a significant public event.
● Festival Consolidation: Sustaining and expanding the annual community-led
historical and cultural festival, ensuring the monument remains a living site for years to come. - Conclusion
The Solidarity Sunderland project offers a valuable path to commemorate a crucial aspect of the city’s past through public art and engaged community participation. It will deliver educational benefits, enhance civic pride, and build important international links, contributing significantly to Sunderland’s cultural landscape long-term.
Solidarity Park 