Green Roots
As Project Manager of Multistory’s Green Roots, I produced a cultural programme that engaged Sandwell residents with their local environment through co-produced creative activities, as part of Sandwell Council’s West Bromwich Urban Greening Scheme. We supported the Council’s public realm improvements, creation of new green spaces, and goal of connecting people to parks, through wayfinding, place making and animation of the High Street with public art.
In year 1, I facilitated community and artist-led activities included wildlife and poetry walks, photography workshops, and a public exhibition called ‘Change is Coming’, created with Sandwell College photography students, and a celebration event on the High Street.
Partners were Sandwell Council’s Planning and Regeneration team, West Bromwich BID, Sandwell College, Sandwell Visually Impaired, Ideal for All, Phoenix Collegiate, RSPB, West Bromwich Library and The Wildlife Trust.
To ensure legacy, community-building and stewardship, the future programme would involve students developing their creative skills and participating in apprenticeships; setting up a ‘Working Group’ to ensure meaningful collaboration with residents and businesses; working with volunteers to plant and look after the new wildflower meadows.
I successfully secured funding to expand the cultural programme to enable hundreds more young participants to engage with artists to tackle environmental issues and set up a regional Youth Nature Forum. Visit the programme website here.
Wildlife Walk with Birmingham Wildlife Trust & Artist Lee Mackenzie, June 2023, Green Roots / Multistory. Image © Becky Sexton
Wildlife Walk with Birmingham Wildlife Trust & Artist Lee Mackenzie, June 2023, Green Roots / Multistory. Image © Becky