More than 200 young people have worked together on a community art project, which has been unveiled by youth workers in Sandwell.
A professional artist delivered workshops aboard Sandwell’s double-decker Youth Bus during October half-term, taking canvases to parks and housing estates in each of the six towns.
The final designs, which have gone on display at the Coneygre Art Centre, in Tipton, aim to celebrate young people’s sense of pride in their communities.
Freelance artist Ginger Dan (real name Danni Evans) led the drop-in sessions alongside trained youth workers and said: “The project is about what their communities mean to them. They came up with words in brainstorming sessions such as peace, unity and friendship and turned them into graffiti.
“There have been peace symbols, they’ve been drawing their friends and the parks where they spend a lot of their time and it’s all really bright and colourful.”
Thirteen-year-old Sam from Wednesbury, took part and said he wanted to draw inspiration from the town’s industrial heritage.
He said: “The history of Wednesbury is a lot. Some of the shops and the factories in Friar Park have been going for 100 years, which is amazing. I’m proud to grow up in Wednesbury because there are a lot of nice people here, the youth workers are all really friendly and there are nice shops in the town.
“I feel like it’s a good thing they’re doing the artwork. It brings people together and fills people with confidence because it’s a dangerous place now, the world and some people don’t feel safe, and it does help start a conversation.”
Youth workers chose to run the sessions in places where young people told them they didn’t feel safe.
Youth worker, Steve Walker, said: “We’re passionate about challenging those perceptions. We took one of the canvasses to Brunswick Park, which in fact is well used by the community, by dog walkers and we have the Youth Bus stationed there once a week, to bring that safe space and the youth workers to them.
“This project has really helped dispel some of the rumours which had made young people feel unsafe, build confidence and start those conversations because it’s a really informal atmosphere.”
The project was funded by the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) and delivered by Sandwell Council as part of the My Tomorrow campaign.
Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Councillor Jalal Uddin, said: “This inspiring project is a powerful example of what it means to be a Child Friendly Sandwell. It reflects our commitment to listening to young people, celebrating their creativity, and making sure they feel safe and proud of where they live.
“Through the Sandwell Story, we’re building a borough where every child feels they belong, and where their voices shape the future. This artwork is more than just paint on canvas – it’s a symbol of unity and hope.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, Simon Foster, said: “It’s crucial to involve young people in positive action and activity within their community, so that we can build safer and stronger communities together. It’s brilliant to see such a creative approach in Sandwell which is putting youth voice front and centre.”
All six artworks made in Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury and West Bromwich have put on display together, at the Coneygre Art Centre, to mark Youth Work Week (3 to 9 November), an annual celebration of youth work.