Inspired by the 15-minute city concept, we're creating sustainable, high-quality cultural activities through partnerships that bring communities together.

Here's how it works:

THREE HIVES - Community spaces where you can share ideas, try new things, and help shape what happens next.

CULTURE FIFTEEN - Creative experiences happening within 15 minutes of where you live in each town.

IMPACT - We're measuring what matters and sharing what we learn.

SUSTAINABILITY - Working together across sectors to make culture last for the long term.

THREE HIVES

Think of the Hives as your local cultural hubs; friendly spaces where people come together with purpose, swap ideas, and explore arts and culture in a hands-on way. Each town has its own Hive, hosted by partner organisations:

• Tipton Hive: Black Country Housing Group

• Smethwick Hive: Sandwell Met (New Hospital Gallery)

• Wednesbury Hive: Coming soon!

What happens at the Hives? We'll be exploring creative ideas for the future, mapping what's already great about your area (like parks, cultural spaces, and green areas within 15 minutes' reach), testing new activities, sharing knowledge, and building a bank of local cultural resources.

Each Hive has a dedicated coordinator who'll work with local residents to plan activities that matter to you.

CULTURE 15

Imagine having amazing cultural experiences right on your doorstep. No long journeys required. Culture 15 is a festival-style programme designed with local residents and artists, bringing culture to places you already know and love: libraries, community centres, neighbourhoods and parks.

Our programming focuses on three themes

Green & Blue Spaces: Connecting with nature and outdoor experiences

AIR (Artist in Residence): In-depth creative projects that engage with the community

Imagine: Show-stopping experiences that spark joy and inspiration

We're partnering with talented artists and cultural organisations to make it all happen.

IMPACT & SUSTAINABILITY

This is the first time all our partner organisations are joining forces in such a structured way, and we're excited about what we can achieve together.

We're all committed to improving wellbeing through culture, and this programme lets us dig deeper, testing new approaches and measuring what really works.

We're dedicating real resources to understanding both the numbers and the stories behind them, showing how our combined efforts can create meaningful change in wellbeing across all three towns.

And we won't keep it to ourselves. We'll share our successes, our learning, and yes, even our failures, making sure the impact story reaches people locally and beyond in a way that everyone can understand.

What’s the timeline?

The project is currently being set up and we’re excited to get going in Spring 2026. As soon as we have events, workshops and opportunities available we’ll be sharing them on this page as well as across our, and our partner’s social media platforms, and email newsletters. Make sure you are signed up to our emails below so that you are the first to find out.