Multistory

We want to say a massive well done to artists Leah Hickey, Jamal Lloyd Davis and Tomilola Olumide for all of their hard work and dedication throughout their time working on this year's Assembly programme exhibition, Communion ✨Thanks everyone who came along to celebrate the launch of their show last week 🎊

We also want to say a huge thank you to our partner The New Art Gallery Walsall for supporting this year's programme over the last 6 months!

Communion is open to the public until 17 November 2024. The title of the exhibition stems from overarching themes in the artists’ work that relate to being in communion with oneself and others, sharing intimate space and the re-contextualisation of faith. The artists share an interest in text and language as an essential component of their work and these can be found woven throughout the exhibition. 📸💝

In Conversation event: 9 November 2024 2pm
📍The New Art Gallery Walsall

Book here; https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-conversation-leah-hickey-jamal-lloyd-davis-tomilola-olumide-tickets-948853896547?aff=oddtdtcreator🔗

Image credit: Jaz Morrison



[Image description: A close up image of Leah Hickey, Tomilola Olumide and Jamal Davis, they are stood in front of a large text heavy poster at the opening of the Communion exhibit as they smile for the photograph.]

💸 Have you secured your spot in our fundraising workshop, designed to support more local artists to secure funding? 💸
Our one-on-one fundraising sessions are back, led by experienced fundraiser Jenny Moore. 🫰🏻

📍 If you're an artist based in Sandwell or the Black Country looking to enhance your funding knowledge, whether it's for developing your arts practice, tackling an application, or navigating a tricky budget section, this workshop is for you.

These sessions, held via Zoom, are tailored to support the specific areas of your funding application. Whether you're working on an Arts Council Project Grant, a DYCP (Developing Your Creative Practice) application, or any other funding commission, you'll find this workshop invaluable. 💻

These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills and receive insightful feedback on your application before submission. ✅

Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so act quickly! 💨

To apply, head to the link here:https://multistory.org.uk/product/fundraising-1-to-1s-for-local-artists/ 🔗






[Image descriptions: There are six images, all in a graphic style and text heavy with a black font. They have orange, pink and beige decorative elements. The text on the images is a FAQ explaining frequently asked questions about the opportunity.]

Multistory is thrilled to announce Green Roots on the Meadow, a FREE community celebration of the flourishing meadow we planted in September 2023! 🌸✨

🗓 Date: Saturday, 7 September
⏰ Time: 10am - 2pm
📍 Location: behind Primark in New Square shopping centre, West Bromwich (corner of Walsall Street, opposite Tiny Tots Academy)

Green Roots is Multistory’s urban greening cultural programme that has been engaging Sandwell communities for the past three years in conversations and activities around climate and social justice through art, workshops and events. 🌱🌍

💚 Event Highlights:

First Cutting of the Meadow: join us and the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust in cutting the meadow and planting wildflower seeds.

Live Musical Performance: experience the poetry map Sounding the West Bromwich Way by Lee Mackenzie and local musicians.

Theatre Performance: enjoy Wandering Wild by Midlands-based Open Theatre, exploring nature and wilderness.

Free Food: Percy’s Hotdogs will be serving delicious food from 11.30am to 1.30pm (or until they run out!).

Creative Activities: get involved in tabletop planting with Zoey Sibanda and nature monoprinting with Ruby Lewis and enjoy live music by Bostin’ Brass throughout the event. Plus, be sure to visit the Public Health stand to learn about healthy activities for Sandwell residents to get involved in.

Celebrate environmental sustainability, community collaboration and the wonderful partners and artists who have worked with us. Let’s come together to look ahead to a greener future for Sandwell! 🌳💚

Head to the link here for more information.🔗 https://multistory.org.uk/product/green-roots-on-the-meadow/

🙏 Special thanks to: Sandwell Council, Arts Council England, New Square and all the amazing artists, volunteers, participants and partners who have supported the Multistory Green Roots cultural programme.
Graphic design by the wonderful Ellis Miles Stewart 🖌️

📅 Save the date and see you there! 📅

We are calling out for local musicians! 📣 🎺

Join us for our community public performance in West Bromwich taking place near the High Street. This is an exciting opportunity for those with a passion for music and entertaining an audience. 🎭

You do not need to be a trained musician to take part; we are welcoming all music abilities, however we do ask that you:

« Are Sandwell and Black Country based
« Can provide your own instrument
« Can read music or follow instructions with ease
« Would like to be involved in a fun public performance within your local community

If you meet these requirements or know someone who does, please do get in touch and share widely; we would love to hear from you! Head to the link: https://multistory.org.uk/opportunities/open-call-for-volunteer-musicians/ for more information on how to apply. 🔗



[Image description: A graphic style image with a green duo tone overlay. White text on the image reads ' Open Call Community Performance. Do you know any local musicians? Are you a local musician yourself? Apply by 18 August'.]

We had a brilliant day at the Bio-Tangible workshop led by artists and activists Japhet and Zoey. 💚

☀️ The sun was beaming and the day began with some fun icebreakers, where participants were able to find out a little more about each other and network with like minded individuals. Following on they were led on a guided walk accompanied with creative prompts that initiated conversation around those within the community and discussion on the changes they'd like to see most in the area.

🌷 After this, Japhet and Zoey led us on a walk to the beautiful and colourful sensory garden at Dartmouth Park, followed by the main workshop where participants discussed their answers to the prompts in more detail. Participants were provided with a wide variety of craft and natural materials including wood and metal to be used towards a collective installation that reimagined the town centre's landscape. Participants were encouraged to create visual representations of their answers without limitation; some decided to showcase the physical change they would like to see in the West Bromwich community whereas others displayed how the workshop and discussing these changes made them feel. 💭

As the workshop came to a close, participants reflected as a group, and Japhet and Zoey discussed how people can get involved further in reimaginings of public space, and access other resources and organisations. They also touched upon their experience in being involved with community-led initiatives that give life to disused spaces, including Bournbrook DIY Community Skate Park in Birmingham. 🌐

Huge thanks to Japhet and Zoey for this experience and to all of you who joined us for the wonderful event. Look out for more opportunities like this on our social media pages and website, which you can access here: https://multistory.org.uk/




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[Image descriptions:

Image one: A shot of a group of around 14 people stood in a circle outside, they are smiling and laughing as they have a discussion.

Image two: A close up shot of a person writing on a yellow sticky note. They are outdoors stood in a colourful garden. Surrounding them are tall beautiful yellow flowers.

Image three: Artists Japhet and Zoey are stood at the front of the room leading a discussions. There are two large tables in the room with people sat dispersed around them as they listen in.

Image four: A large group of people stood in a sensory garden. In the middle of the group is a large planter box full of a diverse range of plants and colours.

Imagine five: 8 Polaroid pictures lay down on a table taken during the workshop. They include images of plants and sculptures at Dartmouth park.

Image six: A group of people sat around a table that is covered with various craft and creative materials including paper, wood and soil.

Image seven: Two people sat around a table painting an image onto a skateboard using bright coloured paint. The table is covered in various craft materials.]

Wildlife Wonders is happening tommorow; please note this event is now fully booked! 💨 🐞

We are very excited to welcome those of you attending the guided walk created in partnership with the Black Country Wildlife Trust in West Bromwich town centre.🚶🏻‍♀️

Leading the walk will be BBCWT Senior Centre of the Earth Development Officer Jane Grove sharing her passion for wildlife and knowledge on what fascinating birds/animals you can find living in the local community. Jane will also discuss what you can do personally to encourage wildlife in your local area including planting and how to manage, protect and enhance your own green spaces including gardens, balconies, window boxes and parks. 🌸

We're looking forward to seeing those of you who have booked your slot – please do let us know if you can no longer make it. For those of you who didn't manage to book on, you can join our waiting list for this opportunity should a last minute spot become free by heading to the link here: https://multistory.org.uk/product/wildlife-wonders-a-free-guided-wildlife-walk/ .🔗

Images Kelly Hadley 📸




[Image descriptions: Image one: A wide shot taken outdoors during a wildlife walk. There are two people stood smiling on a beautiful summers day listening to the leader of the workshop who is mid discussion.
Image two: A group of people stood in a field on a beautiful summers day, they are gathered around the leader of the workshop.
Image three: A close up shot of two people during a wildlife walk. One of them is reaching up to take a closer look at a plant while the other person stands to observe.
Image four: A close up shot of a light skin toned hand, it is holding the leaves of a type of plant and a yellow pencil in the sunlight.
Image five: A wide shot of a group of people with their backs to the camera they are stood listening to the leader of the wildlife workshop.]

Dont forget you can shop Issue 1 of The Printing Room direct from our website 🛒

From Where I Speak showcases how the artists commissioned for this issue explore the Black Country’s stories and socio-political conditions, and their own experiences of forging an arts practice within an area that has historically been underfunded.

You can expect to find pieces from creatives Marley Starskey Butler, Polly Brant, Amelia Fox, Neoliberalizard, Rupinder Kaur Waraich, Rachel Magdeburg and Leah Hickey.

The Printing Room is published as part of Multistory’s artist development programme BCN and provides the opportunity for Sandwell and Black Country based emerging artists to experiment with and push their writing practice and we are currently accepting applications for Issue 2. 💫

This yearly journal opportunity supports writers by providing a platform and exposure for new experimental and creative writing outside of academic contexts. This issue’s theme invites applicants to respond to our arts programme Green Roots. Multistory’s community arts and cultural programme that provides opportunities for our communities and residents in Sandwell to develop a greater engagement in, and knowledge about, the natural capacity of our surroundings.. 🌿

Artists selected for the journal will receive a £250 fee and editorial support from Multistory. This opportunity is supported through a writing masterclass and crit led by a guest mentor; for this year’s programme we’ve invited Cathy Wade, an artist who works through collaboration, writing and research.

To purchase Issue 1 click here: https://multistory.org.uk/product/the-printing-room-issue-1/ 🔗

For more information on the theme for Issue 2 and details on how to apply, visit our website here: https://multistory.org.uk/opportunities/open-call-the-printing-room-issue-2/🔗





[Image descriptions: Image one is a close up shot of The Printing Room issue 1 placed slightly slanted on a light brown woodenn table. The book cover has a bright orange and navy blue geometric print covering it and the title reads 'The Printing Room'.

Image two is a close up shot of the contents page in the book, it lists the artists who will feature along with the name of their piece and the page number you can find it on.

Image three shows two pages of The Printing Room open wide, the left page is heacy with text while the right page displays a creative image. There is also a book mark clip clutched to the left page which might suggest a person is reading the book.

Image four is a close up shot of an extract from the book, this extract is part of Amelia Fox's piece and the title reads 'Cor Spake Propa but yow car spake like us cocka.

Image five is a close up of a page in The Printing Room book, it is a historic image from one of the artists family archives.]

You're all invited to join us on 8 August, 6–8pm to celebrate the launch of our upcoming exhibition 'Communion', in partnership with The New Art Gallery Walsall in The Community Gallery. ✨⁠
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This group exhibition will present works by our three artists – Leah Hickey, Jamal Lloyd Davis and Tomilola Olumide – who were selected to be a part of Assembly, a programme initiated as part of Multistory’s artist development programme BCN, that supports and platforms emerging artists from the region, making space for them to push their practice and to experiment with making new work. Come along and support the artists, who will be sharing a culmination of their work research that they've been developing over the last six months. This will also be a great opportunity to find out more about the annual programme and network with like minded individuals. 🌐 🖌️⁠
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We had a brilliant trip to The New Art Gallery Walsall last week with the artists and curatorial team, to plan the upcoming exhibition and put together install plans; we're looking forward to you seeing this come to life at the launch! 💥⁠
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The New Art Gallery Walsall📍⁠
Community Gallery ⁠
8 August 2024 6-8pm 📆⁠
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For more information, follow the link here: https://multistory.org.uk/product/exhibition-communion/ 🔗⁠
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[Image descriptions

Image one: A graphic style image with a purple/pink duo tone overlay. Text on the graphic is in a white colour font and reads 'Assembly: Exhibition Launch. New Art Gallery Walsall 6-8pm'.

Image two: A wide shot of five people stood in a large open bright white room, there are images of art on the wall as well as a display cabinet in the middle of the room.

Image three: A close up of two people as they stand in a large open bright white coloured room. They stand next to a display cabinet looking into it at the images inside on display.

Image four: A close up of three people as they stand in a large open bright white coloured room. Two of them stand next to a display cabinet looking into it at the images inside on display. One of them stands observing.

Image five: A close up two people stood in an open space bright room. Dangling from over held by individual pieces of string are two brown cocoon shaped art sculptures.]

You're all invited to join us on 8 August, 6–8pm to celebrate the launch of our upcoming exhibition 'Communion', in partnership with The New Art Gallery Walsall in The Community Gallery. ✨

This group exhibition will present works by our three artists – Leah Hickey, Jamal Lloyd Davis and Tomilola Olumide – who were selected to be a part of Assembly, a programme initiated as part of Multistory’s artist development programme BCN, that supports and platforms emerging artists from the region, making space for them to push their practice and to experiment with making new work. Come along and support the artists, who will be sharing a culmination of their work research that they've been developing over the last six months. This will also be a great opportunity to find out more about the annual programme and network with like minded individuals. 🌐 🖌️

We had a brilliant trip to The New Art Gallery Walsall last week with the artists and curatorial team, to plan the upcoming exhibition and put together install plans; we're looking forward to you seeing this come to life at the launch! 💥

The New Art Gallery Walsall📍
Community Gallery
8 August 2024 6-8pm📆

See here for more: https://multistory.org.uk/product/exhibition-communion/





[Image description:Image one:A graphic style image with a purple/pink duo tone overlay. Text on the graphic is in a white colour font and reads 'Assembly: Exhibition Launch. New Art Gallery Walsall 6-8pm'.

Image two:A wide shot of five people stood in a large open bright white room, there are images of art on the wall as well as a display cabinet in the middle of the room.

Image three: A wide shot of five people stood in a large open bright white room, there are images of art on the wall as well as a display cabinet in the middle of the room.

Image four: A close up of two people as they stand in a large open bright white coloured room. They stand next to a display cabinet looking into it at the images inside on display.

Image five: A close up of three people as they stand in a large open bright white coloured room. Two of them stand next to a display cabinet looking into it at the images inside on display. One of them stands observing.

Image six: A close up two people stood in an open space bright room. Dangling from over held by individual pieces of string are two brown cocoon shaped art sculptures.]

Wednesbury planters are full of life! 🌿🌸🥬

You may have seen our recent project, as part of our Green Roots in Wednesbury programme, where we worked with Bostin' Arts on the delivery of workshops and the fabrication of some wonderful planters for Wednesbury High Street. Well, a couple of weeks after this amazing project, the planters are now in full bloom!

Each shop/business we worked with has a planter packed with a rich mix of flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruit including runner beans, cowslip, strawberries, cordyline, tumbling tomatoes and much more. Cascading down the sides or reaching towards the sky, the plants have really blossomed since the start of the project in May, and they bring not only beautiful greenery to the town, but also a smile to the faces of those who walk by.

We are delighted with how the planters look and the impact they are having to those who live in or visit the town. We cannot thank Bostin' Arts enough for their creative ideas and hard work on this project, the We Are Wednesbury group for their continuous support, Vicky for her horticultural knowledge and Bridget for her dedication (O'Connells). And of course we would like to thank The Ukrainian Sunflower Bistro, The Orchard Coffee Lounge, South Staffs Water Community Hub, O'Connells, Eat Well Cafe, Allsorts, Sue's Traditional Sweets and Blue Sheep Books for their commitment to keeping the plants thriving. 🤗

Finally, thank you to Historic England for funding the project.

Keep your eyes peeled for the autumn/winter refresh of the planters later this year! 🌲👀

Image credits: Images 1, 2 and 3 are by ©Bostin' Arts (photos taken outside of The Ukrainian Sunflower Bistro, at Market Place in Wednesbury) and Image 4 is by ©Multistory (photo taken outside of the South Staffs Water Community Hub, Union Street in Wednesbury).




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We're very excited to see those of you joining us for Wildlife Wonders!🔎🐞
This event is now fully booked however you can join our waiting list to gain a spot should one become available.

On Saturday 3 august we will be hosting the free guided walk in in partnership with the Black Country Wildlife Trust in West Bromwich town centre.📆

Jane Grove, Senior Centre of the Earth Development Officer at BBCWT, will lead the walk, sharing her passion for wildlife and expertise on the fascinating birds and animals in our local community. She will also provide tips on how you can personally encourage wildlife in your area, covering topics such as planting and managing, protecting, and enhancing green spaces, including gardens, balconies, window boxes, and parks. This is a great opportunity to learn something new and have some fun whilst observing the urban green spaces in your community. This event forms part of our Green Roots programme, our urban greening cultural programme that provides opportunities for our communities in Sandwell to develop a greater engagement in, and knowledge about, the natural capacity of our surroundings.🌿

📍The walk will take around an hour to complete and will begin at the Little Dessert Shop on West Bromwich High Street, next to the Farley Memorial Fountain. This event is suitable for all ages; families and young people are welcome, and we ask that children aged under 16 attend with a guardian. As this event takes place outdoors, please wear suitable clothing and comfortable shoes or trainers.👟🧥

For more information on the guided walk head to the link https://bit.ly/Wildlife-Wonders-Free-Guided-Walk 🔗

And that's not all that is happening in West Bromwich on this day! Get yourselves over to the West Bromwich Summer BBQ day taking place at Princess Parade High Street West Bromwich, where there will be free entertainment, music and BBQ food (please note, the BBQ food is ticketed, see website for more: https://www.westbromwichtown.co.uk/events/summer-bbq-in-west-bromwich/ 🔗 ).






[Image descriptions:
Image one: A purple/brown duo tone graphic of people walking with their backs to the camera under big leafy trees. The overlaid text reads 'Saturday 3 August 2024, 2pm- 3pm. Wildlife Wonders: a free, guided wildlife walk. Suitable for all ages, families welcome. Hosted by Multistory and the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust.

Image two: A wide shot of a group of people as they stand outside gathered around a person who is leading a conversation.

Image three: A wide close up shot of a hand holding a small selection of flowers, the colours include white, purple and yellow.

Image four: A person stood in a bright green field on a summers day surrounded by flowers and trees.

Image five: A landscape image taken outdoors on a summers day. The image is taken from a distance and we see a load of picturesque greenery including very large trees and a bright blue sky.

Image six: Three people walking across a bridge on a bright summers day as they overlook the scenery.]

OPEN CALL FOR PROPOSALS❕We're excited to invite proposals for the second issue of The Printing Room! 📢

Multistory produces a yearly journal of art writing from Sandwell and the Black Country, aiming to support the publishing of new experimental and creative writing outside of academic contexts, designed and printed by The Holodeck Birmingham. Selected artists will receive a £250 fee and editorial support from Multistory. The yearly opportunity is supported through a writing masterclass and crit led by a guest mentor; for this year’s programme we’ve invited Cathy Wade.

ISSUE 2 THEME ✨
The second issue of The Printing Room invites writers to respond to themes and questions being explored through Multistory’s arts programme Green Roots, through experimental writing, criticism or fiction.

Green Roots brings together local residents, artists, activists, urban planners, community support groups, gardeners, schools and ecologists through a programme of workshops, activities and events that explore the environment around us. The programme invites us to turn our attention towards the land and to spaces that have previously been unloved or overlooked, and hold space a deep and hyper-local understanding of our environment and the climate crisis. Who has access to public green space and how can we work together to defend it? How can we work together to lay the groundwork for sustainable and community-driven practices?

Traditionally written in first person perspective, nature writing has long explored our position within the natural world from the gaze of the singular author. For this second issue of The Printing Room, we invite proposals for texts that challenge the conventions of nature writing, exploring pluralistic and multivocal perspectives on the climate crisis. We invite you to take your own approach or focus within this broad theme. Proposals might engage with; Black Country ecologies, multispecies perspectives, plant systems, q***r ecologies, land activism, unloved spaces or ‘edgelands’ reclaimed. Selected artists will be invited to incorporate visual elements in their piece.
🌿

Deadline for proposals: Midnight, Sunday 15 September. 🗓️

For more info and how to apply, visit: https://multistory.org.uk/opportunities/open-call-the-printing-room-issue-2/ 🔗

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[Image description: Image one is a graphic style image. The background is a grainy blue with star like elements for decor scattered around. There is text in the middle of the graphic that reads 'Open call The Printing room Issue 2.]

The Bio Tangible workshop with Japhet & Zoey is happening this Thursday, and we have very limited spaces; this week is your last chance to secure your spot so don't miss out! 🔜

You're all invited to come along and be together to; make art; eat; share stories about West Bromwich and imagine new possibilities for the town centre!

Artists Japhet and Zoey are activists who question what a biodiverse cityscape could look like when it is intertwined alongside our cultures, traditions and social lives and how we can work together to reimagine our neighbourhoods. 🌱

During this workshop, the artists will lead a guided walk where participants receive fun and creative prompts, initiating conversation around those within the community and discussing the changes you'd like to see most in the area. These prompts feed into an exciting installation that will be created as a collective to reimagine the town centre's landscape. 🏙️

Here's a sneak peak of some of their research materials and artist notes that will form part of the wider workshop on the day. 👀

Japhet and Zoey also carried out a workshop in 2023 as part of Japhets BCN artist residency. Open Space is a participatory project exploring how people in Sandwell can work together to reclaim their neighbourhoods. The project develops Japhet’s ongoing investigation into how we might reimagine disused or derelict spaces in order to best serve the community, and what a biodiverse cityscape looks like when it is entangled alongside our cultures, traditions and social lives. Japhet shares speculative drawings created by community members at the Dorothy Parkes Centre in Smethwick, with his assemblage works made using reclaimed materials.

If this sounds like something you might want to be part of get involved. You can find out more about Japhet and Zoey and the workshop by reading our previous posts or heading here: https://multistory.org.uk/product/workshop-bio-tangible-with-japhet-dinganga-and-zoey-sibanda/

We look forward to sharing this exciting workshop with you soon. ✨






[image descriptions: Image one is a graphic style overlay image. The background is a yellow duo tone with purple and pink design element circles layered over the top. There is white text on the image explaining the workshop date, times and title.

Image two: A close up shot of an image taken as part of Japhet and Zoeys previous workshop.

Image three: A photograph taken as part of studio shots produced by Zoey. We see a hand slightly holding onto what looks like a type of fruit plant growing

Image four: A close up shot of an image taken as part of Japhet and Zoeys previous workshop.

Image five: A photograph taken as part of studio shots produced by Zoey. We see a plant, books, stationary and a canvas.

Image six: A close up shot of an image taken as part of Japhet and Zoeys previous workshop. We see a person creating what looks like a collage on a piece of paper resting on wooden table. Also on the table there or paper cut outs, stationary and rulers.

Image seven: A close up shot of an image taken as part of Japhet and Zoeys previous workshop. We see a collage of images pinned onto a light coloured wall.

Image eight: A photograph taken as part of studio shots produced by Zoey. We see a tray of small green plants standing as they soak up the sunlight shining from above them.]"