‘Seeing in Isolation’ is an exciting new project by community arts organisation Multistory and photographer Karren Visser that shares digital stories made with, and told by, visually impaired Sandwell residents.  The project brings together members of Sandwell Visually Impaired (SVI) to share their stories through short digital films made up of audio recordings, photographs from family […]

This text was produced in conversation with the artist Sophie Huckfield, who was invited to write an article for Social Works exploring shifts in socially engaged practice during the pandemic. Sophie was commissioned for Multistory’s High Street Stories programme, part of the Wednesbury High Street Heritage Action pilot project. As part of the programme Sophie […]

Since early 2020, artist Ali Baskerville has been collaborating with Multistory to meet, and work, with womxn and non-binary people in Sandwell to create a feminist ‘survival guide’. The project both responds to an urgent need for personal safety initiatives that focus on empowering those who, due to structural oppression, are most at risk of […]

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.

We’re excited to announce that we are recruiting a freelance Creative Producer and 12 Community Engagement Artists. They will work with Multistory to develop a digital, community engaged arts programme as part of the Wednesbury High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), funded by Sandwell Council and Historic England, to take place between January 2021 and […]

Click below for an audio recorded version of this blog.   “In a very short space of time, blind and partially sighted Sandwell Visually Impaired members overcame the hurdles of working virtually and using technology to do audio recordings, make photographs and share images from their family albums. I am deeply grateful to all of […]

  by Josh Allen   As the extent, depth and potential duration of the Covid-19 crisis came into focus, ad-hoc, seemingly spontaneous groups of neighbours came together to cut through lockdown’s enforced isolation. Presented in the media as if emerging from nowhere, most actually drew upon deep roots and reserves of solidarity and community, building […]

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been thinking about how we can respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and we’re producing a new digital programme called Stories in Isolation to support local artists and our Blast! Creative Network. We’ll be sharing their photography, poetry and film with you over the upcoming weeks that responds to the […]