We’re kicking off 2021 by sharing some Bostin News - quite literally. We have copies of the Newspaper that collates some of the lovely work you might of seen already on here but also some special pieces of content that we have also saved JUST for the newspaper. Would you like a copy?

In December, for the Winter Solstice on the 21st, Culture Central asked artists and organisations from across the West Midlands to produce and commission pieces of work that could be shared across social media platforms, lasting no more than 60 seconds each.

During 2020 artist Laura Dicken spoke to 4 creatives for her Creative Connections Commissioned project Turning Points to find out more about creativity in the Black Country and how people view the places they live and the opportunities that are around them. We’ve chosen a few extracts from the conversations to share below.

Free online Minecraft and Music production courses for young people in Sandwell.

We know 2020 has been a tough and challenging year but it has also been a time of intense creativity for many. CBC’s Marketing & Content Manager, Kerry, asked the team to share their favourite projects that they worked on during the pandemic and here is what they said…

With support from Arts Fundraising & Philanthropy CBC has been able to set up and explore possibilities for a free funding network for arts and culture across the Black Country. In these challenging times the network can connect those fundraising across the region and provide support.

Bostin News: Meet Content Editor Anneka French

Bostin News: Meet Content Editor Louise Bloomfield

Bostin News: Meet Content Editor Tim Brinkhurst

Bostin News: Meet Content Editor HEATHER WASTIE

Bostin News: Meet Editorial Assistant Eve Orford

When we started to follow @busybee_amy (or Amy Holland as we now know) on Instagram we were instantly taken by her illustrations. From beautiful plants to detailed drawings of imaginary characters in busy rooms - we loved her style. So when we wanted some illustrations of our content editors we knew who we had to ask.

Sound artist and producer Tim Brinkhurst has produced 5 sound pieces for Bostin News that speak of and share creativity. The final one is Interrupted.

Rupi Dhillon is a British Indian artist currently based in the Black Country. In her work she explores relationships between (wo)men and their environment, exploring how culture is connected to belonging. Her current work reimagines cultural experience through participatory performance, collaboration, gifting and found objects.

During lockdown, when many of us wondered how we might fill our days at home, Bloom Creative Wellbeing CIC launched their 21-Day Rainbow Challenge via social media. It caught the attention of Rosie who was looking for something to do with her toddler Nova…

Sound artist and producer Tim Brinkhurst has produced 5 sound pieces for Bostin News that speak of and share creativity. The fourth is I Can Hear Your Inner Thoughts - Father Barry Starts the Day.

Cinema For All’s regional support scheme On the Ground is back – connecting emerging and existing community cinema exhibitors from across the West Midlands to their share skills, knowledge and expertise!

The Battle of Stourbridge by Heather Wastie was written using memories of Jeni Hatton, Jose Wyles and her mother, Sheila Smith, during Alarum Productions’ ‘I Dig Canals’ research project.

Like many people in 2020 artist Lou Blakeway has discovered and uncovered more about her local neighbourhood. For this piece, commissioned by Bostin News Content Editor Heather Wastie, Louise talks us through how lockdown walks inspired her work…

Three bridges, Four Tunnels by Heather Wastie is inspired by three bridges in close proximity on the canal at Bumble Hole, Netherton. Netherton Tunnel Bridge spans the main route while Boshboil Arm Bridge and Windmill End Bridge both lead to dead ends.