A blank back street wall near High Street West has become Sunderland’s newest public canvas after Sunderland City Centre BID launched Love Lane, a romantic message board on Back Bridge Street. Hand-painted squares now cover the wall, inviting residents to write love notes, initials, poems or simply what they cherish about being a Mackem.
The installation drew inspiration from the recent Moulin Rouge musical at the Sunderland Empire Theatre and was created with the Art Café and the theatre itself. Roberta Redecke, Head of Businesses Services at Sunderland’s BIDS, said the goal was to brighten a quiet alley. “We hope it will encourage people to explore a different part of the city centre – and of course leave their own personal message as a lasting tribute to someone or something that they love,” she said. The wall sits just along from The Three Stories pub.
Though the Moulin Rouge run has ended, the message board stays as a permanent feature. Sue Devine of the Art Café, which created the hand-painted boards, called the public response encouraging. The café has previously helped organise city art festivals with backing from Sunderland BID, Culture House, Sunderland Culture and the council. John Cliff, Head of Marketing and Communications at the Empire, said the project was improving city vibrancy.
The project follows other BID-led arts initiatives, including the recent Wall of Fame celebrating local band The Futureheads. Love Lane has already been filling with handwritten tributes, turning the once-quiet walkway into a photo-worthy stop that celebrates affection for the city itself.
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