Making our Mark - cohort 1 Sharing
As the first cohort of groups taking part in Making our Mark has now ended, it feels like the right moment to pause, reflect and celebrate the creativity, care and connection that has been unfolding across Walsall. This first group of projects has been rooted in shared heritage, learning by doing and bringing people together through culture, conversation and making.
The first groups we have supported through Making Our Mark are Darians Dance Studio, The Romanian Community Centre, Aaina, and Lifegate. Each has approached the programme in a different way, shaped by their own communities, histories and creative interests.
Lifegate’s Adire project - image be Lee Allen
Lifegate’s project has been a joyful exploration of Adire, the traditional Yoruba tie and dye technique that dates back to the 1800s. In a hands-on workshop during December, participants learned about the meaning behind the colours, with green symbolising life and blue associated with love and royalty. Cloth and T-shirts were bound with string before being dipped into rich blue, green and red dyes. The moment of reveal was the highlight, as each piece emerged with its own distinctive pattern. Smiles, laughter and a few spontaneous dances filled the space as people celebrated the cultural threads linking Africa and Walsall. To bring the project to a close, the Lifegate team hosted an online textile workshop, offering a final shared moment of making and reflection.
The Romanian Community Centre has been working closely with an African community group, sharing heritage stories and lived experiences across cultures. Together they created a short documentary that captures their process, conversations and connections. The film acts as both a record of the collaboration and a way to share these stories with a wider audience.
At Darians Dance Studio, movement has been the language of exchange. The group developed ideas for a dance showcase that brings together Polish, Moldavian and Romanian styles. Through rehearsals and shared exploration, the project culminated in a community dance event in February, that invited audiences to experience the richness of these traditions through performance.
Following an inspiring visit to Coventry gallery, Aaina has been delving into its own history. The group have brought together archives, memories and personal stories into a visual podcast, creating a new digital space where their collective heritage can be shared and revisited online.
As this first cohort draws to a close, what stands out is not just the range of creative outcomes, but the relationships formed along the way. Making Our Mark continues to show how creativity can open doors, spark conversations and strengthen connections across communities.
Above images from the recent cohort 1 sharing event at Walsall Library - Images by Lee Allen.
We have learnt a lot about how seemingly disparate groups and communities that have never worked together can produce beautiful creative projects while learning about each other’s heritage and culture. We currently getting ready to share details of the second cohort, as well as the lovely outcomes from our creative commission with Walsall for All and Urban Hax.
Our second cohort are underway with the Explore stage of their projects, having completed their induction and some of the Making our Mark training sessions we provide. We’re looking forward to helping them bring their projects to life.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Making Our Mark celebrates the rich and diverse heritage of Walsall’s communities. Led by Creative Black Country and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project gives local groups and organisations the opportunity to uncover and share their untold heritage stories. Whether it’s exploring cultural traditions, historical events, or community memories, we’re here to help you bring your stories to life!
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Making Our Mark is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to support communities based in Walsall to celebrate their rich and diverse heritage.
