Leader of the Council, Kerrie Carmichael was joined by Tunmi Agbona and Natalie Nyengerai from Sandwell College and representatives of Sandwell’s Culture Forum
Sandwell Council is entering Smethwick into the first ever UK Town of Culture competition, celebrating the town’s vibrant and cohesive community, rich heritage and growing arts and culture scene.
Made 50 years ago from six proud towns, the borough of Sandwell is a place built on making things happen. It’s where industry met innovation, and where strong, creative, diverse communities shape its future.
Councillor Kerrie Carmichael, Leader of the Council said: “If it can be made, it’s been made in Smethwick. Through our canals – with the iconic Galton Bridge, the longest and highest canal bridge in the world – railroads and factories, Smethwick was a powerhouse of the industrial revolution for the Black Country, the UK and the world.
“The best thing about our borough is our people and sense of community, which is why are putting together an ambitious bid for Town of Culture status for Smethwick, which would help us showcase our Black Country spirit and creativity to the world.
“We’re focused on making a difference for our residents. Town of Culture status would help Smethwick and our other towns by supporting our ambitious plans to regenerate our high streets, grow our creative talent and create new jobs and opportunities so everyone feels proud to call Sandwell our home.”
From Chance Glassworks, the world’s leading glass manufacturer, whose glass glistens proudly in lighthouses from the USA to India, to The Soho Foundry, the first dedicated factory in the world constructed for the manufacture of steam engines, to Ruskin Pottery who brough colour in the arts and crafts movement, to London Works who famously produced the ironwork for Crystal Palace.
Today, Smethwick is a vibrant and cohesive community, but it has not always been that way. The civil rights activist Malcolm X’s visit to Marshall Street in 1965 was an historic moment after being invited by the Indian Workers’ Association.
Smethwick is now the proud home of Europe’s biggest South Asian Mela and Europe’s largest Gurdwara. Its high streets are lined with food from around the world: from local Black Country delicacies to independent cafes and the infamous Desi Pubs and sweet centres.
Smethwick is a uniquely diverse town within Sandwell that prides itself on its hyper-local creative vibrancy and its community driven spirit. With a high density of creatives from artists, musicians, designers working and living in areas like Bearwood, Smethwick is a catalyst for creative and cultural industries innovating for the next generation.