We’ve certainly had an impactful and fun start to 2025, marking our 10th anniversary, kicking off two major new projects, continuing with our Creative Communities strand of support and sharing our latest series of short films.

Celebrating 10 Years: The power of creative partnerships. U Island CIC and arts organisation Juneau Projects worked with families from Russian speaking countries as well as Latvia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and the UK to create imaginative sculptural birdhouses telling their stories of migration to Birmingham and the Black Country and sense of home.

From audience surveys, utilising post-activity evaluation forms, organising reflection meetings, and focusing on case studies to showcase the program's diversity our evaluation is not merely a reporting exercise but a tool for continuous improvement.

Through the Desi Pubs project, we worked with six landlords and artists to create bespoke artwork, portraits, stained glass, mosaics, and handcrafted pub signs, telling the extraordinary story of migration, survival, love, and foodone pint at a time.

Behind every great community project is a creative adviser - someone who brings expertise, fresh ideas and the confidence to make things happen. At Creative Black Country, we believe that supporting community groups with creative guidance leads to stronger, more impactful projects.

At Creative Black Country’s 10-year anniversary event, a panel of partners and community leaders came together to reflect on a decade of impact. The conversation was lively, honest, and full of pride for how far the region has come — and how much further it can still go.

Creative Black Country recently threw an unforgettable party to celebrate ten years of creativity, connection and community!

Ahead of celebrating our 10-year milestone here at Creative Black Country, we commissioned Koru Films and We Can Create to help us share some of the incredible stories behind our work with communities and creatives across the region.

We caught up with Sajida Carr, Director of Operations and Development, to look back on Creative Black Country’s proudest moments, unexpected surprises, and lessons learned along the way. From international collaborations to fashion shows that sparked confidence and creativity, Sajida shares the stories that have shaped Creative Black Country’s impact.

Can you help us tell our story? The Creative Black Country team are looking for talented creative documenters (this includes, photographers, filmmakers, animators and illustrators, designers) to help tell our story in 2024 and 2025. 

We're giving you a WHOLE 365 days to get your party outfit ready as Creative Black Country celebrates 10 years of co-creating with communities, artists and creatives across the Black Country!