Activity under the agreement

Key Developments

Key developments within each of the elements of the Friendship Agreement include:

Economic Development and Tourism Promotion – Glass3, the first international glass exhibition involving the work of over 20 artists from Sunderland's Cohesion Network, alongside work by artists from Washington Glass School and Toledo (Ohio) ran from 21 February to 9 March 2008.  The exhibition in Washington DC's fashionable Georgetown area resulted in sales for a number of participating artists. 

Discussions are underway to support business development activity in areas such as software and technology and the green/environmental sectors.

Washington Old Hall and the Friendship Agreement has been featured in an advert as part of the region's ‘Passionate People Passionate Places’ campaign.

Historical Connection – the Sunderland Remembering Slavery Exhibition from 22 September to 11 November 2007 held in the Museum and Winter Gardens included material from Washington DC’s Public Archives, linked to emancipation as well as a lecture by a senior representative from the Mayor’s Office.

ICT and eGovernment – Officers have exchanged information on ICT systems and initiatives, and are considering where each city can learn from each other.  Key areas include Sunderland's Digital Challenge and Sunderland Software City initiatives.

Education (Including Higher/Further Education) – JFK Primary in UK was the first Primary School to be matched with a DC partner under the Embassy Adoption Programme, followed closely by Broadway Junior School.  Both schools have developed a range of American themed projects. It is hoped to continue to expand this to involve other schools across both cities over the time of the Friendship Agreement.

Two scholarship students each spent a semester at the University of Sunderland, beginning in September 2007, from the University of the District of Columbia and George Washington University.  The two students (William Kellibrew and Elizabeth Hill) took part in University life but also engaged with the city through a range of projects with children and young adults, before becoming World Wide Ambassadors for Sunderland on their return to the United States.  Other proposals for joint work with universities in Washington DC are being looked into.

The latest scholarship student from the University of the District of Columbia spent a semester at the University of Sunderland, beginning in September 2008. Hortense Brent, who is studying Fine Art benefited from the facilities provided by the University and the National Glass Centre to further her studies.  She also took part in school visits during her time in Sunderland, in particular Broadway Junior School who were completing work surrounding the Presidential Elections in the US and JFK Primary School who were completing a project surrounding Martin Luther King.  Hortense returns to Washington DC as a World Wide Ambassador for Sunderland.

Back to top

Events

A number of events have taken place to further highlight the Friendship Agreement

Presidential Inauguration Day 20th January 2009
Children from Washington School attended Washington Old Hall to mark the inauguration of the new President Barack Obama.  The event included the raising of the flag and US national anthem.  Children from JFK Primary School also attended as part of their after school History Club to mark the occasion.

American Independence Day, 4th July 2008 - The annual celebration organised by Washington School and the Friends of Washington Old Hall included features by Broadway Junior and JFK Primary Schools and had 'living history' as its theme.  This followed 2007's ceremony which focussed on the 200th anniversary of the UK Parliament's Abolition of the Slave Trade and included a feature by children from the History Club at JFK Primary School.

International Friendship Festival 5-6th July 2008
A kite flyer from Washington DC took part in the kite flying programme with others from around the world as a member of the Wings Over Washington Kite Club.  This built on participation through 'Wings Over Washington' in both 2006 and 2007.

Embassy Visit, June 2008 - The head of the US Embassy's Commercial Office met with senior business representatives from the city at eVolve during a visit to the North East of England.

March 30th 2007 – The Mayor of Sunderland met children from JFK Primary School’s History and International Clubs to hear about some of their work with their partner school, in Washington DC, Garfield Elementary.

JFK Launch Day, December 2006 – JFK Primary School held an American Launch Day in December 2006, to mark their relationship with Garfield Elementary under the programme. They were the first school to be linked giving them an added incentive to find out about their American Heritage.

Ambassador's Visit, November 2006 – The American Ambassador met representatives of US businesses located in the City in November 2006 and planted a flowering cherry tree at Washington Old Hall, following in footsteps of Jimmy Carter.

Back to top