Change is Coming
Background
When working as Project Manager at an arts organisation called Multistory, I planned and delivered the first year of ‘Green Roots’, a cultural programme that engaged Sandwell residents with their local environment through co-produced creative activities.
This was part of Sandwell Council’s West Bromwich Urban Greening Scheme that aimed to enhance existing green space and improve the appearance of West Bromwich Town Centre.
The cultural programme supported the Council’s physical improvements by connecting people to the new green spaces, existing parks and the High Street, through workshops, walks, community mapping, events and public art.
To meet these aims, and create meaningful connections with communities, I planned and produced multiple projects in collaboration with artists, and partners. One example is Change is Coming, an exhibition made in collaboration with Sandwell College student and photographer Kate Green.
The students took part in the following workshops:
A guided walk with The Wildlife Trust exploring local green spaces and learning about wildlife;
Photography sessions with Kate Green exploring how they feel about their local environment;
Workshops on Creative writing and how to shape a narrative in an exhibition and plan an event were led by myself;
A sustainable exhibition-making workshop, which included how to use sustainable materials and paste-up their work on the High Street, was led by street artist Vik Chandla.
Process
In participatory projects, the process is important as the outcomes. By participating in workshops and co-curating the exhibition, students were the artists and were able to shape the narrative around their local environment whilst also improving their surroundings. The artist-led workshops were a great way for them to learn and develop new skills and for us to listen and respond to their ideas.The final exhibition showcased their work on the pedestrianised section of West Bromwich High Street by sharing photography and poetry on brightly coloured posters and banners.
Curatorial Approach
The High Street is run down which means bold and colourful work can visually make a big impact.
Use existing infrastructure is key. Unused hoardings were identified as a space for the exhibition, however there was a delay in replacing the hoardings, so myself and the students decided to create a temporary exhibition by pasting up colourful posters - a sustainable option - as they would disintegrate, and materials would not be wasted when the hoardings were replaced within a month.
Co-creation is a balancing act. I was keen to involve the students in as many conversations as possible so they could take ownership over the exhibition but Kate and I made the final curatorial decisions and layout.
Creating collaborative work in a specific site means the focus becomes ‘how can we tell the best story in the space we have?’
As the exhibition was temporary, we decided to print the artwork on paper posters so they would disintegrate over time and leave no trace. By encouraging young people to create art in response to the environment and consider sustainable exhibition-making through content and materials, they were able to shape the narrative around it while also improving their surroundings.
In addition to this, I worked with the talented artist and designer Malikah Holder used the students images to make a collage design and create vibrant banners for the lamp posts.
We held a celebration event with artist workshops, table top planting and info from the RSPB which had a great turn out. It rained so sadly we couldn’t be on the High Street but luckily the Arts Cafe is just around the corner. The students worked with us to design a celebration event - from food, music to invites - one of the students created a great invitation.
It was a pleasure to work on this project with brilliant partners such as Sandwell College and Josh from the regeneration team and I look forward to seeing what comes next as part of Green Roots on the High Street.
Images of the install of the exhibitions; all the students were involved in pasting up their work.
Images of the install of the exhibitions; all the students were involved in pasting up their work.
Change is Coming posters, West Bromwich High Street, June 2023 © Becky Sexton
Example of poster included in Change is Coming exhibition featuring Sandwell College student photographs and creative writing, West Bromwich High Street, June 2023 © Becky Sexton
Change is Coming posters, West Bromwich High Street, June 2023 © Becky Sexton
Images of the install of the exhibitions; all the students were involved in pasting up their work.
Artist Vik Chandla runs workshop at Celebration event for Change is Coming exhibition, June 2023 © Kate Green Photography
Change is Coming, West Bromwich High Street, June 2023 © Becky Sexton
Change is Coming banners designed by Malikah Holder featuring work of the students, June 2023 © Becky Sexton
Cropped section from Change is Coming banners designed by Malikah Holder featuring work of the students