Multistory is excited to share details for Green Roots on the Meadow, a free community event to celebrate the flourishing meadow we planted in September 2023. Comprising performances and creative activities, this event will take place on Saturday 7 September from 10am to 2pm, behind Primark in New Square shopping centre in West Bromwich.
Green Roots is Multistory’s urban greening cultural programme that we have been running across Sandwell for the past three years. It invites Sandwell communities to co-produce and engage in conversations and activities around climate and social justice through art-making and workshops.
Green Roots on the Meadow celebrates environmental sustainability and all the wonderful communities who have worked with us on the programme. The event will feature a first cutting of the meadow in collaboration with the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, where attendees are invited to take part in the cutting and in the planting of wildflower seeds. This moment on the meadow marks a commitment to environmental stewardship and community collaboration; our hope is that the meadow will continue to grow and flourish and provide a green space for people to enjoy in the years to come.
Earlier this spring, Multistory launched poetry map Sounding the West Bromwich Way online, created by artist-poet Lee Mackenzie in collaboration with members of Sandwell Visually Impaired and sound artist Lorenzo Prati. Connecting West Bromwich high street with its green spaces, the illustrated poetry map and musical score contains drawings of many of the area’s well-known buildings and the sounds of the high street are represented in musical notations. As part of Green Roots on the Meadow, there will be a live musical rendition of the map, where Lee Mackenzie, along with musician and composer James McIlwrath and other local musicians, will bring to life the harmonious sounds of West Bromwich in a unique performance on the meadow.
Midlands-based physical theatre group, Open Theatre, will be putting on a family-friendly inclusive theatre performance, Wandering Wild, using the meadow to explore themes around nature and wilderness. Join us on an adventure to rediscover and celebrate the wilderness in the heart of our towns and cities.
Free food will be served by Percy’s Hotdogs (between 11.30am and 1.30pm / or until they run out!) and there will be other activities to get involved in: more details will be shared soon.
We hope you can join us for this special day to celebrate our collective efforts, be a part of the Green Roots cultural programme and look ahead to a greener future for our communities in Sandwell.
Thanks to Sandwell Council, Arts Council England, New Square and the wonderful artists, volunteers, participants and partners who have been involved in supporting the Multistory Green Roots cultural programme.
Poster designed by Ellis Miles