Culture And Memory

Owa Market –100 Years of the People of Jacky White’s Market (exploring, responding and presenting Sunderland heritage)

Since Jacky White first traded from a cart and horse in 1925, the market has witnessed a century of change, from World War II, shifts in women’s rights, the 2008 financial crash and the pandemic. It remains a vital part of Sunderland’s daily life. It has endured major social, economic and cultural shifts, continuing to bring people together and support livelihoods. This project will celebrate that resilience by engaging with the community, vendors, visitors and market staff. We will collect stories, memories and photographs, alongside research into the market’s early years. The research will inspire a new body of interpretation, including illustrated portraits of key figures and a documentary film exploring the market’s past, present and future. These outcomes will honour those who have sustained Jacky White’s Market for 100 years. Heritage will be better identified, while inviting reflection on how this enduring space might evolve over the next century.