Change is Coming: Kate Green X Sandwell College Photography students

Throughout Spring and Summer 2023, artist Kate Green led photography and creative writing sessions with Sandwell College photography students, along with a guided walk by The Wildlife Trust, that explored, questioned and recognised wildlife and urban space. What happens when you pause? What do you hear when you close your eyes? What do you see when you stop, just for a moment? The flutter of pigeons, the call of market traders, the wind rustling in the trees, the sky reflected in a puddle... Have you ever wondered what is growing on your doorstep? Or how can we make the high street a welcoming place for people, insects and birds? And how can we look after ourselves and our planet?

A series of photographs and writing were selected by Sandwell College photography students, which were made into posters in collaboration with designer Malikah Holder, and exhibited on hoardings on West Bromwich high street. The posters also featured poetry by local Black Country poets and members of Sandwell Visually Impaired. Artist Vik Chandler facilitated a practical workshop with the students around the art of ‘paste-ups’, encouraging the students to consider DIY, sustainable and alternative practice to art and exhibition-making.

A celebratory gathering was held on 20 June 2023 on West Bromwich high street and the Art Cafe at Central St Michael’s Sixth Form to mark the launch of the exhibition with Sandwell College photography students including music and workshops: pocket poetry with Lee Mackenzie; table-top planting with Ideal for All; and a Street Art drawing workshop with Vic Chandler.

The exhibition features work by: Rebecca Aldridge, Noah Banks, Rylee Butler, Samuel Edwards, Holly Hill, Kashaylah Jarvis, Ben Keeling, Jaiden McBean, Namita Ram, Yasmin Robinson, Tesheena Solomon and Madison Warren-White.

This is a Sandwell Council initiative, funded by the Town’s Fund Partnership, that will increase biodiversity on the high street and create a green walking route to Sandwell Valley.

Thanks to: The Wildlife Trust and RSPB for providing the fun facts; poets Emma Purshouse, Roy McFarlane, RM Francis plus Sandwell Visually Impaired Members and artist/poet Lee Mackenzie for sharing their poems; the fantastic Level 3 Photography students and John Edwards at Sandwell College; Malikah Holder for the graphic design of the exhibition; Vik Chandla for assistance with installation; and Josh Singh from Sandwell Council for continued support and collaboration.

Download the audio description here: