Black Country Digital Firsts

Black Country Digital Firsts returns with a new group of artists, makers, performers, and creative organisations who are experimenting with technology in bold and imaginative ways. This cohort brings together a wide range of practices including sound design, textile tech, projection mapping, animation, interactive storytelling, and digital poetry.

Sylwia Ciszewska-Peciak is creating a powerful digital and sculptural artwork that explores the emotional landscape of motherhood.

Gazebo Theatre in Bilston is developing an immersive projection mapped installation that brings nature into an urban setting.

StudioFX is developing an ambitious projection and animation project that brings large-scale digital energy to Walsall.

Artist and storyteller Daya Bhatti is developing an innovative project that merges textiles and technology to explore South Asian narratives.

Karen Garland is developing an ambitious digital project that uses collage, portable scanning, sound, and projection mapping to transform public and cultural spaces across the Black Country.

Guided by their individual practices in healthcare, poetry, and community art, the group is exploring how digital tools can transform poetry and visual art into uplifting creative encounters within NHS and community settings.

Sarah Ann Cromwell is an award winning operatic comedian, trained audio describer, BOM Unreal Engine Bootcamp alumni and creator of Sandwell Visually Impaired (SVI) accessibility resources for creatives.

This week saw the launch of Communi-Tea, a heartwarming new project from the Dorothy Parkes Centre in Smethwick, created as part of Creative Black Country and The Space’s Black Country Digital Firsts programme.

We went along to the screening of a new short mockumentary film by Alex Billingham (which has been supported by Black Country Digital Firsts), to find out more about the film...

On World Octopus Day (8 October 2025) guests gathered at the Black Country Living Museum for the world premiere of Black Country by the Sea, a new, fun, mockumentary film and video game by artist Alex Billingham.

Selected artists from the Black Country are harnessing digital skills and mentoring through Black Country Digital Firsts; a partnership between Creative Black Country and The Space.

Selected artists from the Black Country are harnessing digital skills and mentoring through Black Country Digital Firsts; a partnership between Creative Black Country and The Space.

Selected artists from the Black Country are harnessing digital skills and mentoring through Black Country Digital Firsts; a partnership between Creative Black Country and The Space.

Selected artists from the Black Country are harnessing digital skills and mentoring through Black Country Digital Firsts; a partnership between Creative Black Country and The Space.

Selected artists from the Black Country are harnessing digital skills and mentoring through Black Country Digital Firsts; a partnership between Creative Black Country and The Space.