Between now and the end of March 2021, Multistory is excited to announce that we are working on High Street Stories, a digital community engaged arts programme (that is part of the Wednesbury High Street Heritage Action Zone funded by Sandwell Council and Historic England) that will be developed with, and for, local residents and artists. The programme will explore the past, present and future of the town through words, song and art. A series of free, artist-led workshops will invite local community groups and members to reflect on their relationship to the Wednesbury High Street, outlining its importance as a social and cultural space.
Workshops
There are lots of opportunities for Wednesbury residents to get involved, including the workshops and projects listed below. You don’t need to be an artist to take part; these free workshops are all about exploring creativity and playing with ideas, so anyone can join in.
A creative postcard exchange for Wednesbury folk
Friday 26 February / 1.30 – 3pm
Monday 1 March / 1.30 – 3pm
A two-part online workshop, to create Wednesbury inspired postcards that will be exchanged with local primary school children. In these fun and relaxed sessions, we will use simple exercises designed to help you get ideas on paper. A free art pack with all the materials you will need will be sent out prior to the workshops.
Email Emily Warner at [email protected] if you’d like to take part.
Thursday 25 February / 2 – 3.30pm
Thursday 4 March / 7 – 8.30pm
People of Wednesbury! It’s time to get creative with words and stories from this old town! Never written anything creative? A bit unsure on where to begin? Have no fear! We’re hosting two online writing workshops to guide you through the basics of creative wordplay, exploring Wednesbury’s past, present and future.
Email Grace Dore and Brendan Hawthorne at [email protected] to take part.
Artist Sophie Huckfield wants to speak to local residents about women – both past and present – who live and work in Wednesbury.
Women in Wednesbury Talk – Saturday 6 March / 11am – 12pm
A talk that celebrates the history of women in Wednesbury and explores their role in industrial work through to women working today.
Story Sharing Workshop – Saturday 13 March / 2 – 3.30pm
You’re invited to share your story of a working Wednesbury woman, whether it’s yourself, a family member or a friend.
Email Sophie Huckfield at [email protected] to take part.
GET IN TOUCH
WEDNESBURY SHOP FRONTS & SHOP KEEPERS
Marta Kochanek wants to photograph Wednesbury shopkeepers who would like to share their stories, memories, hopes and dreams. Photographs will be taken at a distance, once shops reopen.
Email Marta Kochanek at [email protected] to get involved.
WEDNESBURY ALLOTMENTS & MARKETS
Do you have an allotment or market stall in Wednesbury? Do you want to be part of Wednesbury’s documented history? Photographer Denise Maxwell wants to take photographs of allotment and market stallholders in Wednesbury. Photographs will be taken following social distance and Government regulations.
Email Denise Maxwell at [email protected] if you’d like to be involved.
MEMORIES OF WEDNESBURY HIGH STREET
Iain Armstrong is collecting oral histories through phone conversations and online video platforms and Jo Löki is collecting images from your family history and photo albums! They’re interested in hearing from: shop owners and business owners, particularly those family businesses with a strong history of trading in the area; people with memories of key social buildings (like the cinema, bingo hall and pubs) or any shared community spaces where people gathered; people that were employed in key business, such as banks, fish & chip shops and cafés.
Email Iain Armstrong at [email protected] if you’d like to be interviewed and Jo Löki at [email protected] if you have images you’d like to share.
Artist Serena Patel wants to hear your stories about Wednesbury High Street and is inviting local poets, local groups and the general public to write their memories, stories or poems of Wednesbury.
Email Serena Patel at [email protected] to get involved.
CALLING FOR WEDNESBURY RESIDENTS WHO ARE AGED 16 TO 30
Artists Keaton Barton and Maurice Bartosch want to capture the stories, memories, hopes and dreams of young Wednesbury residents via portraits, video and informal conversations.
Email [email protected] or [email protected] to get involved.