Youth centre transformed through art trail

3 hours ago

Eleanor LawsonWest Midlands

News image — Young people across the city worked with artist India Birtwisle to create the arts trail

The Way A large multi-coloured mural on a curved brick wall on a building, with lots of different patterned hands on it. There is a sign next to it saying "The Way". — Young people across the city worked with artist India Birtwisle to create the arts trail

A youth centre has been transformed as part of an arts trail bringing colour to Wolverhampton.

The Wolverhampton City of Youth Culture's Visual Arts Trail, led by Wolverhampton Arts Centre, showcases a collection of collaborative artworks developed through workshops with young people from across the city.

A major centrepiece of the trail is Hands of the City, a large-scale installation located at The Way Youth Zone.

Developed with artist India Birtwisle and young creators, the artwork celebrates the voices, experiences and creative contributions of young people from Wolverhampton.

Paul Snape, CEO of The Way Youth Zone, said: "This project is a brilliant example of what can happen when organisations come together with a shared commitment to young people.

"Opportunities like this are so important. They give young people a platform to express themselves, build confidence and see their ideas brought to life in a meaningful way."

The Way A large multi-coloured mural on the brick wall on a building, with lots of different patterned hands on it. There is a sign next to it saying "The Way". — The Way Youth Zone is a centrepiece of the trail

The trail forms part of Wolverhampton City of Youth Culture, funded by Arts Council England's Place Partnership Fund and has been supported by Wolverhampton City Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Young participants from organisations including The Way Youth Zone, Beatsabar, Wolverhampton Virtual School and City of Wolverhampton College worked alongside professional artists to develop the artworks.

A series of guided walking tours will also take place throughout the summer, offering young people and visitors the chance to discover the stories behind the artworks, hear more about the creative process and experience the scale of the trail across the city.

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.