Art Road Trip Brought Community and Creativity to the Black Country
From May 2024 to May 2025, Art Road Trip – the National Gallery’s travelling art studio – visited 18 locations across the UK. In March 2025, the colourful mobile studio rolled into the Black Country for two lively weeks of creative activity in Walsall and Wolverhampton.
The programme partnered with 24 arts organisations nationally, and here in the Black Country, Creative Black Country joined forces with whg (Walsall Housing Group) to deliver a packed schedule of hands-on workshops, creative conversations and community connection. The sessions were designed and led by Elisha and Chioma on behalf of the National Gallery with the support of artist duo Juneau Projects (who have been working with whg communities as part of an artist residency), and project managed by our own Creative Advisor Laura Dicken.
Chioma (left) and Elisha (right) outside Nightingale House with the Art Bus
The workshops were inspired by the National Gallery’s renowned collection and explored themes of wellbeing, colour theory, sound, texture, and storytelling through practical art activities such as gelli printing, collage, flower arranging, and character drawing. The sessions were thoughtful, imaginative, and welcoming, offering people of all ages and abilities a chance to get involved in sensory, hands-on creativity.
“It was wonderful to feel energised from working with such welcoming community groups during the Art Road Trip project in Walsall and Wolverhampton," shared Chioma Ince, one of the facilitators. "Whether it be witnessing experimental and vibrant approaches to gelli printing, or the beautiful thought and detail community members put into their artwork. Care and creativity was central to this project.”
A Warm Welcome in Walsall
In Walsall, students from Walsall College, pupils from St Patrick’s Primary School, and residents of whg properties took part in morning and afternoon sessions packed with creative experimentation.
“The workshop was extremely well organised, beautifully paced, and most importantly, thought-provoking with a great practical element,” said Karen Garland from Walsall College. “All our students were engaged, and staff managed to open up and challenge even our shyest, introverted learners.”
“The Art Road Trip at Lockside Pointe was excellent,” added Stacey, Wellbeing Officer at whg. “The participants loved the easy-going atmosphere and were made to feel comfortable by the National Gallery staff. It was a fun, creative week that made them look at art in a different way.”
Images above by Dee Patel
Creative Energy in Wolverhampton
In Wolverhampton, residents of Nightingale House enjoyed their sessions in the building’s stunning old chapel, now used as a community meet-up space. Participants included the All4Art Group, WLV StART Group from Wolverhampton University, whg residents, and pupils from Grove Primary School.
Images above: Pupils from Grove Primary School enjoy a session at Nightingale House - images by Nelson Douglas
The workshops touched on topics such as the psychology of the colour blue, the use of flowers as creative tools, and how to interpret textures and sounds within historic artworks. There were also sessions on careers in the creative industries, discussions on how to generate ideas, and plenty of hands-on making.
“From a whg perspective, Art Road Trip helped focus upon creating social justice – ensuring our customers had equitable access to experiences such as art that others enjoy and benefit from,” said Connie Jennings, Director of Stronger Communities at whg. “The programme helped to bring residents together, build confidence, develop friendships, and create a sense of home and belonging. The sessions highlighted the talent many of our customers have, and we are keen to continue this work.”
A Special Day at the Gallery
One of the most memorable parts of the programme was a group trip to the National Gallery in London, arranged as part of the wider experience.
“It was great being part of the Art Road Trip, and the timing worked brilliantly in terms of CBC x WHG, as it really added an extra dimension to our residency and the offer for customers at Lockside and Nightingale,” said Ben Sadler of Juneau Projects.
National Gallery Trip with the Lockside Residents - Photo by Juneau Projects
“A personal highlight for me was the trip to the National Gallery. The care and attention shown by Elisha and Chioma, and the Gallery as a whole, made the day incredibly special. I remember Sue saying to me on the way back, ‘we’ve been treated like royalty,’ which really touched me.”
“The workshop Phil and I attended at Lockside was lovely. It was fantastic to see the group again and to witness their growing confidence. The visit to the National Gallery really helped – it felt like welcoming old friends when Elisha and Chioma rejoined the group.”
From flower arranging and collage to conversations about art, wellbeing and community, Art Road Trip brought joy, connection, and creativity to the Black Country – and left behind lasting memories and new friendships.